WTO MC14: Kenya charts priorities on agriculture, fisheries, e-commerce
By Faith Lagat, December 22, 2025Kenya has commenced intensive preparations for the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled for March 26-29, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
This marks the second time an African nation will host the event, following Kenya’s successful hosting of the 10th Ministerial Conference (MC10) in Nairobi in December 2015.
The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, through the State Department for Trade, issued a press release dated December 22, 2025, outlining the country’s strategic focus amid evolving global trade dynamics, including rising protectionism, geopolitical tensions, and tariff escalations.
As a founding WTO member since 1995, Kenya relies on the organisation for predictable market access, dispute resolution, export promotion, and protection of domestic industries within the multilateral trading system.
“Kenya is gearing up for the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled for March 26-29, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon,” read the press release in part.
“This marks the second time an African country will be hosting the event, following Kenya’s successful hosting of the 10th Ministerial Conference (MC10) held in Nairobi, in December 2015.”
Stakeholder engagements
Preparations for MC14 involve broad stakeholder engagements across various sectors to formulate a unified national position.
These consultations aim to align Kenya’s priorities with those of other WTO members ahead of the conference, the organization’s highest decision-making forum comprising all 166 member states.
The Ministry emphasised that such alignment is crucial to advancing Kenya’s economic and trade interests, particularly in key sectors where the country has competitive advantages.
Key negotiation areas
Kenya’s priority areas for MC14 include WTO reform, fisheries subsidies, agriculture, e-commerce, and investment facilitation. On WTO reform, focus is on restoring a fully functioning dispute settlement system, enhancing consensus-based decision-making, and strengthening special and differential treatment for developing nations to address global trade challenges.
On fisheries subsidies, Kenya seeks the elimination of harmful practices that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity.
“Notably, on September 15, 2025, Kenya deposited its instrument of ratification for the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement at the WTO,” the press release noted, adding that an inter-agency committee is being established to oversee implementation.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone priority, with ongoing negotiations covering public stockholding for food security, domestic subsidies, and market access.
In e-commerce, Kenya is advocating for a dedicated work programme and continuation of the provisional moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions, aimed at strengthening developing countries’ digital economies.
Additionally, the proposed Investment Facilitation for Development agreement seeks to streamline regulatory frameworks, promote sustainable investment flows, enhance competitiveness, and support sustainable development objectives.
The press release underscored Kenya’s dedication to a reformed and inclusive WTO that prioritises Africa’s development.
“These engagements underscore Kenya’s commitment to a reformed and inclusive WTO that advances Africa’s development priorities,” stated the Principal Secretary, State Department for Trade.