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.
Held alongside the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS), which closed yesterday, the two landmark gatherings marked a significant step in connecting policymakers with business leaders and development partners to chart a unified economic future.
The Trade Ministers Meeting, the first ever held on African soil, concluded today with the adoption of a forward-looking Outcome Statement and agreement on a joint Commonwealth Statement on the Multilateral Trading System to the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation, reinforcing the group’s united position on fair, inclusive, and rules-based global trade.
Against the backdrop of rising protectionism, climate instability and a fragmented global economy, Ministers focused on strategies to harness the Commonwealth’s 21% trade advantage (rooted in shared language, legal systems, and trust) to realise the ambition of growing intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion by 2030.
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Speaking at the closing ceremony of the CTMM, Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said:
"Together, we have explored new pathways for deepening intra-Commonwealth trade, enhancing investment, leveraging digital trade, accelerating the sustainable energy transition and building resilient economies. The outcomes of the Windhoek trade ministers’ meeting represent another shining example of the enduring value of Commonwealth collaboration."
"We must stand firm and united in resisting any efforts that risk undermining our progress and prosperity. The Commonwealth has shown how we can work together to ensure that all our people benefit fully from international trade."
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Hon Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, added:
"We were brave enough to decide to host the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit, in order to initiate the practical aspects of growing intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion and beyond. I would like to be brave enough to say we were successful and that our clarion call has been heard."
"During this meeting, we clearly and overwhelmingly supported the Commonwealth member countries for a rules-based multilateral trade system. In that regard, we concluded a statement ahead of the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon in 2026, which will be released after this event, and will be read at the next meeting of the WTO General Council."
During the meeting, the ministers also endorsed concrete initiatives to expand trade and investment across the Commonwealth:
- Operationalisation Plan of the Working Group on Trade and Investment was agreed for implementation with a focus on key priority activities to help invigorate trade and investment among member states.
- Ministers welcomed the launch of the Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) as a key platform to help countries identify bankable projects and connect with credible investors.
- Ministers welcomed progress on the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade, underscoring its importance in reducing friction in cross-border e-commerce.
- Energy transition, food security, and the future of critical minerals were flagged as areas for greater cooperation and public-private investment.
- Support for MSMEs, youth and women-led businesses, and improved digital readiness in vulnerable economies was reaffirmed.
The CTMM built on momentum from the Commonwealth Business Summit, which concluded on Thursday. Held in parallel for the first time, the Summit brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and development financiers to align private sector priorities with public policy.
As the Commonwealth looks ahead to the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, Trade Ministers have called for leaders to build on Windhoek’s momentum, deepening integration, protecting the global trading system, and ensuring that trade remains a driver of prosperity and resilience for all.
Read the Statements:
- Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting - Outcome Statement
- Commonwealth Statement on the Multilateral Trading System to the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation
Other relevant links:
- Photos from CTMM and CBS (Credit Commonwealth Secretariat).
- Closing Remarks of the Commonwealth Secretary General CTMM June 20
- Read the Fast Facts on Commonwealth Trade and Investment (PDF)
Media contact
- Rena Gashumba Communications Adviser, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- T: +44 7483 919 968 | E-mail
