The WTO holds such conferences every two years where trade ministers from around the globe gather to try to reach deals to set or update new trade rules.

Cameroon's ambassador Salomon Eheth told a WTO meeting in Geneva he hoped the event scheduled from March 26-29, 2026 would be an opportunity to show the world the potential of Cameroon and Africa for investment and sustainable development, the WTO statement said.

Analysts expect the road ahead for the three-decade-old WTO will be challenging, likely characterised by trade wars with United States President-elect Donald Trump, who returns to the White House on January 20.

The organisation has struggled to conclude negotiations in recent months and its last meeting in Abu Dhabi in February achieved only minimal results in negotiations where all 166 of the body's members must agree by consensus.

--Reuters--