WTO 14th Ministerial Conference: Communication minister tours key venues, confirms Yaounde set for global event.

The visit, which preceded a press briefing at the Ministry of Communication, took the member of government across strategic sites designated for the conference scheduled to hold from March 26 to 29.

The minister began the tour at the CRTV Radio House, where an International Broadcasting Centre, IBC, has been installed as a badge collection point for media professionals and non-governmental organisations. 

He was received by CRTV Director General, Charles Ndongo. He later engaged with journalists and WTO team members present at the site.

Minister emphasised the importance of the facility, noting that it plays a central role in hosting media professionals.

“I came to verify what is going on in the International Broadcasting Centre. I noticed that everything is going on quite smoothly,” he said. 

He added that “all the measures appropriate have been taken”. Rene Sadi said foreign journalists he interacted with expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

From the CRTV premises, the minister proceeded to the Yaounde Conference Centre, which will host the main meetings of the conference. There, he inspected the facilities to ensure readiness for high-level delegations expected from across the globe.

The tour continued to the Mont Fébé Hotel, designated to accommodate members of the WTO Secretariat and other delegates, before concluding at the Hilton Hotel in Yaound, another key hospitality site for participants.

Says everything is ready

At the end of the field visit, the minister returned to his office where he addressed the press, providing an update on the state of preparations.

He told journalists that Cameroon is set to welcome over 4,000 delegates from 166 countries for the conference, which will focus on major issues relating to global trade, including agriculture, fisheries subsidies, customs duties, electronic commerce and reforms within the WTO.

According to the minister, the hosting of the conference follows the approval of the Head of State, Paul Biya, and reflects Cameroon’s diplomatic engagement on the international stage.

“Forty-eight hours before the opening of proceedings, I can assure you that everything is ready for the 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO to take place here in Yaounde under optimal conditions,” Minister Rene Sadi stated.

He outlined measures taken by the government to ensure the smooth organisation of the event, including logistical arrangements, transport and accommodation for delegations, traffic management within the city, enhanced security provisions, and the availability of communication infrastructure. 

The Yaounde Conference Centre, selected as the main venue, has been specially arranged to meet the requirements set by the WTO, he added.

Minister Rene Sadi reiterated that all necessary steps have been taken under the authority of the President of the Republic and the coordination of the Prime Minister to ensure the success of the event.

He also extended a welcome to international delegates and media professionals expected in Cameroon for the conference.

Second WTO ministerial on African soil

MC14 marks only the second time the WTO Ministerial Conference has been held on the African continent. 

The minister described the event as a reflection of Cameroon's diplomatic standing and an opportunity to showcase the country's cultural and tourism offer to an international audience. 

He mentioned the exhibition village to be set up in the grounds of the Yaounde Conference Centre for the duration of the conference.

Special measures, the minister added, will be implemented to facilitate movement within urban and peri-urban areas during the conference period, while calling on residents of Yaounde to demonstrate the country’s hospitality.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3740 of Wednesday March 25, 2026