Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated South Africa’s commitment to global trade reforms, emphasising the need for a more inclusive and equitable international trading system.
His remarks come as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) marks its 30th anniversary, with preparations underway for the 14th Ministerial Conference set to take place in Cameroon in 2026.
Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of the upcoming conference as an opportunity to define a clear path for WTO reform.
“We look forward to the 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in Cameroon in 2026, which will be an opportunity to define a clear path on reform,” he said.
We look forward to the 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in Cameroon in 2026, which will be an opportunity to define a clear path on reform.
https://t.co/582H0JDZUh— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 10, 2025
The South African president underscored the importance of ensuring that global trade rules facilitate structural transformation, particularly for developing nations.
“We must redouble our efforts to ensure that trade supports development. WTO rules must facilitate structural transformation that integrates developing countries into global trade,” he added.
We must redouble our efforts to ensure that trade supports development.
WTO rules must facilitate structural transformation that integrates developing countries into global trade.
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 10, 2025
Ramaphosa also voiced concern over unilateral and protectionist measures adopted by some advanced economies, stating that such actions fall outside the multilateral framework agreed upon by WTO members.
“We are seeing unilateral and protectionist measures being implemented by some advanced economies that are outside the agreed-upon multilateral framework,” he said.
We are seeing unilateral and protectionist measures being implemented by some advanced economies that are outside the agreed-upon multilateral framework. https://t.co/582H0JExJP
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 10, 2025
As South Africa commemorates the WTO’s 30th anniversary, Ramaphosa reaffirmed the country’s support for strengthening the organization to better serve the needs of all nations.
“Working together as the international community, let us continue in our efforts to build a global trading system that is inclusive, equitable and that truly serves the needs of all nations,” he said.
“Working together as the international community, let us continue in our efforts to build a global trading system that is inclusive, equitable and that truly serves the needs of all nations.”Message by President of the Republic of South Africa H.E @CyrilRamaphosa on the occasion…
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) April 10, 2025
The WTO Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of the organisation, bringing together trade ministers from member states to negotiate and set the direction for global trade policies.
The upcoming conference in Cameroon is expected to address key issues, including trade reforms, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the role of developing nations in the global economy.
