Yaoundé, Cameroon – The Kingdom of Eswatini is part of the 14th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference which officially opened on 26 March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, with reform of the multilateral trading system dominating proceedings.
The high level gathering comes at a time of geopolitical and economic instability that has disrupted global trade flows, placing ministers under pressure to restore confidence in the WTO as a central pillar of international commerce. Reform has emerged as the main focus of the conference amid growing concern over the future effectiveness of the multilateral trading system.
Eswatini’s delegation is led by Mr Phesheya Dube, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, who is representing the Minister. He is accompanied by Mr Sandile Hlatshwayo, Counsellor at the Mission of Eswatini in Geneva, and Ms Khetsiwe Dlamini, Senior Trade Policy Analyst. 
The conference was officially opened by Cameroonian Prime Minister Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute. During the opening ceremony, speakers raised concerns about uncertainties within the multilateral trading system, noting that some developed countries are reneging on commitments made under the WTO framework.
Ministers are expected to provide direction on proposed reforms to existing rules to prevent further strain on the operations of the WTO. A key outcome anticipated from the conference is the adoption of a workplan with clear timelines to guide reforms of the multilateral trading system.
