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Trade and economy

Malawi agriculture and trade officials prepare for WTO agriculture negotiations

In Malawi, agriculture underpins the livelihoods of the majority of the population and forms the backbone of the national economy. Estimates indicate that over 80 percent of Malawians are dependent in some way on agriculture; ensuring the sector’s equitable and sustainable growth is therefore critical for the country’s economic growth and continued progress for communities and families.
Read news - Malawi agriculture and trade officials prepare for WTO agriculture negotiations

Commonwealth, ITC to prioritise small island resilience, intra-African trade, critical minerals in new agreement

The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Commonwealth Secretariat today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to extend a long-standing partnership, setting out a three-year programme of work to support sustainable, inclusive and digitally enabled trade across the Commonwealth, an association of 56 countries over five continents.
Read news - Commonwealth, ITC to prioritise small island resilience, intra-African trade, critical minerals in new agreement

National Agricultural Data Infrastructure policy guide launch

23 October 2025 to 23 October 2025
(GMT)
Event
In collaboration with the Embassy of Vanuatu, Brussels and the High Commission of Fiji in the United Kingdom.

The National Agricultural Data Infrastructure policy guide provides a comprehensive overview of a sectoral approach to digital public infrastructure aimed at establishing a coordinated and collaborative framework for agricultural data management.

Commonwealth launches model law to unlock growth in digital trade

During the Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s ICT Week, held in  Jamaica, the Commonwealth Secretariat officially launched the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade, accompanied by an implementation guide. This landmark legal framework is designed to modernise trade rules, strengthen competitiveness, and drive inclusive growth in the digital economy
Read news - Commonwealth launches model law to unlock growth in digital trade

Blog: Turning economic headwinds into opportunities - A resilient future for the Commonwealth (Part 2)

In the second of a two-part assessment of the global economic outlooks ahead of the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington on 13 October 2025, Dr Thomas Munthali, Head of Economic Policy and Small States at the Commonwealth Secretariat, outlines how member countries can best respond.
Read news - Blog: Turning economic headwinds into opportunities - A resilient future for the Commonwealth (Part 2)

Blog: Turning economic headwinds into opportunities - A resilient future for the Commonwealth (Part 1)

In the first in a two-part assessment of the global economic outlooks ahead of the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington on 13 October 2025, Dr Thomas Munthali, Head of Economic Policy and Small States at the Commonwealth Secretariat, sets out the challenge facing member countries.
Read news - Blog: Turning economic headwinds into opportunities - A resilient future for the Commonwealth (Part 1)

The Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade and Guide to Enactment

The Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade offers transformative benefits for governments, businesses and consumers across member countries.

By providing legal certainty for electronic communications, records, signatures and contracts, the law eliminates long-standing barriers that have limited the adoption of paperless trade. Its implementation enables faster, more efficient transactions, reducing delays and administrative burdens, and improving overall trade performance.
Read publication - The Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade and Guide to Enactment

Commonwealth Trade Ministers and business leaders wrap up Windhoek summit with strong call for multilateralism and private sector partnerships

Trade Ministers from across the Commonwealth have concluded two days of high-level deliberations in Windhoek, Namibia, at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM), with a bold affirmation of their shared commitment to deepen intra-Commonwealth trade, unlock sustainable investment, and defend the integrity of the multilateral trading system.
Read news - Commonwealth Trade Ministers and business leaders wrap up Windhoek summit with strong call for multilateralism and private sector partnerships