Kenya has stepped up preparations for the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), set to take place from March 26 to 29, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, outlining key priorities that reflect the country’s evolving trade and development interests.
The high-level meeting will be only the second time an African country hosts a WTO Ministerial Conference, following Kenya’s hosting of MC10 in Nairobi in 2015.
Kenya positions itself ahead of global talks
In a statement released on December 22, 2025, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry said Kenya is refining its negotiating strategy against a backdrop of rising protectionism, geopolitical tensions, and shifting global tariff regimes.
As a founding WTO member since 1995, Kenya views the multilateral trading system as central to securing predictable market access, resolving trade disputes, promoting exports, and safeguarding domestic industries.
Stakeholder consultations underway
The State Department for Trade confirmed that preparations for MC14 include wide-ranging consultations with public and private sector stakeholders to develop a unified national position.
These engagements aim to align Kenya’s interests with those of other WTO members ahead of the conference, the organization’s highest decision-making body, which brings together all 166 member states.
Officials said coordinated positions are critical to strengthening Kenya’s influence in negotiations, particularly in sectors where the country holds competitive advantages.
Key negotiation priorities
Kenya has identified five core areas for engagement at MC14:
- WTO reform: Kenya is pushing for the restoration of a fully functional dispute settlement system, improved consensus-based decision-making, and stronger special and differential treatment provisions for developing countries.
- Fisheries subsidies: The country is advocating for the elimination of harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and excess capacity. Kenya ratified the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement in September 2025 and is establishing an inter-agency committee to oversee its implementation.
- Agriculture: Negotiations will focus on public stockholding for food security, reduction of trade-distorting domestic support, and improved market access—areas critical to Kenya’s agricultural economy.
- E-commerce: Kenya supports a dedicated WTO work programme on digital trade and the continuation of the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions to strengthen developing economies’ participation in the digital marketplace.
- Investment facilitation: Kenya backs the proposed Investment Facilitation for Development agreement aimed at simplifying regulations, boosting sustainable investment flows, and enhancing competitiveness.
Commitment to inclusive global trade
The ministry said Kenya remains committed to advancing a reformed, inclusive, and development-oriented WTO, with a strong focus on Africa’s economic priorities.
“These engagements reflect Kenya’s resolve to support a multilateral trading system that delivers shared growth and development for Africa and other developing regions,” the State Department for Trade said.