The Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting opened today in Windhoek, Namibia, with a united call for stronger cooperation, fairer financing, and a reinvigorated multilateral trading system, as member countries face rising global fragmentation, trade barriers, and climate-related shocks.
Hosted for the first time on African soil, the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting comes at a pivotal moment. Ministers gathered just as protectionist policies, geopolitical tensions, and new tariff policies continue to reshape the global trade landscape. For many Commonwealth countries, especially small and vulnerable states, the stakes are growing.
Delivering the keynote address, Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey warned of mounting risks but stressed the opportunity for collective leadership:
“We meet at a time when the international trading system stands at a crossroads. Geopolitical tensions are rising. Tariffs are returning. Conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa are distorting supply chains. And just last month, the IMF warned of a dangerous fragmentation of the global economy. For Commonwealth countries, the stakes are high. An estimated US$750 billion in exports could be exposed to external shocks if global trade continues to splinter. In this uncertain landscape, the value of our Commonwealth cooperation becomes clearer than ever. Because when others put up barriers, we will build bridges. When others retreat, we will reach out. When others divide, we will deliver.”
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In her welcome remarks, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, emphasised the importance of bold, united action from Commonwealth partners:
“Our meeting is held at a critical time in which global trade dynamics are being reshaped by climate change, geopolitical tensions and the rapid digitalisation of economies. It is important for us to find unity around our shared values as outlined in our Commonwealth Charter. Let us, therefore, approach our work today with a bold, results-driven mindset, proposing innovative solutions and united in crafting a strong Commonwealth voice on global trade issues.”
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The call for enhanced multilateral cooperation was echoed by AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, who outlined how continental and Commonwealth trade strategies can reinforce each other:
“As Africa advances its regional integration agenda through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we see strong complementarities between regional and multilateral systems. The Commonwealth can play a vital role in bridging these frameworks, supporting regional value chains, trade facilitation, and policy coherence across jurisdictions… It is imperative that Commonwealth countries resist protectionism and work together to deepen trade and investment for a more resilient and prosperous Commonwealth.”
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The day’s closed sessions covered a range of pressing challenges: access to trade and investment finance, de-risking sustainable infrastructure, digital trade integration, and building climate resilience for small states and least developed economies. Delegates also discussed practical ways to unlock capital for SMEs, women-led enterprises, and youth entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth.
The meeting builds on momentum from the Commonwealth Business Summit, which commenced yesterday, and continues into Friday, as Ministers deliberate on practical steps to deepen cooperation, mobilise investment, and strengthen the Commonwealth’s collective voice in global trade. Discussions are also expected to shape future priorities ahead of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon in 2026.
As Secretary-General Botchwey concluded:
“The goal we have set, US$2 trillion in intra-Commonwealth trade by 2030, is not a slogan. It is a statement of intent. To reach it, we must move faster, work smarter, and act together. The Commonwealth is not just a network, it is a platform. Not just a legacy, it is a lever. Not just a family, it is a force for delivery.”
Media contact
- Rena Gashumba Communications Adviser, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- T: +44 7483 919 968 | E-mail
