China has pledged US$1.1 million to support Africa’s least-developed economies, reinforcing World Trade Organization (WTO) programs that help traders integrate into global markets, officials said.
The announcement came during the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, where WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao signed memoranda of understanding formalizing the funding. Of the total, US$600,000 will go to the China Programme, a flagship Aid for Trade initiative launched in 2011, while US$500,000 will bolster the WTO’s Global Trust Fund.
“These contributions from China are warmly welcomed,” Okonjo-Iweala said. “The renewal of the China Programme underscores its commitment to integrating least-developed countries (LDCs) into the WTO and global trade. The unearmarked grant to the Global Trust Fund will allow the Secretariat to meet vital but underfunded technical assistance needs.”
The funding is expected to benefit officials and traders from countries across West and Central Africa. Programs include internships at WTO headquarters in Geneva, roundtables on accession for non-members, post-review workshops, and South-South knowledge-sharing initiatives. Recent efforts have expanded to digital trade and artificial intelligence, offering exporters tools to overcome logistical and regulatory bottlenecks.
Wang framed the contribution as part of China’s broader Global Development Initiative. “The China Programme is a successful practice in implementing the Global Development Initiative and strengthening South-South cooperation at the WTO,” he said. “China again contributed $600,000 to the China Programme and $500,000 to the Global Trust Fund, demonstrating firm support to the WTO with concrete actions.”
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The Global Trust Fund, established in 2001, delivered more than 13,000 training sessions worldwide in 2025, combining online learning with regional workshops to enhance skills in trade compliance and negotiation. China has contributed over $11 million to WTO technical assistance efforts since 2008, including consistent support for the Trust Fund.
Analysts said the investment strengthens the capacity of LDC officials to participate meaningfully in WTO policy discussions, potentially unlocking billions in trade flows. By supporting countries such as Sierra Leone and Chad, the funding amplifies voices that have historically struggled to influence international trade rules.
“The China Programme and the Global Trust Fund play an outsized role in helping African traders navigate complex global markets,” said trade analyst Emmanuel Tamba. “At a time when multilateral negotiations are stalled and commodity prices remain volatile, technical assistance is a practical way to ensure LDCs are not left behind.”
The pledge also reflects China’s growing influence in shaping a multipolar trade order, where emerging powers contribute to global economic governance. The move comes amid persistent challenges for African economies, including climate shocks, infrastructure deficits, and uneven access to digital technologies.
WTO officials said the funding will allow for more targeted training and workshops over the coming year, helping officials and private-sector participants understand regulatory frameworks, negotiate trade agreements, and adopt technology-driven solutions to enhance competitiveness.
“South-South cooperation is increasingly vital for ensuring that LDCs are equipped to meet global trade standards,” Okonjo-Iweala added. “China’s commitment sets an example of how partnerships can deliver practical outcomes for developing economies.”
With the new investment, the China Programme will continue to reinforce the WTO’s capacity-building efforts in Africa, providing both technical support and a platform for engagement in global trade discussions at a time when the continent seeks to increase its share of international commerce.
