Commonwealth trade ministers commit to $2 trillion trade goal
Multilaterism
Endorsed initiatives to expand trade and investment across the 54-member bloc, reinforcing the Commonwealth's role as a driver of sustainable economic growth.
Trade Ministers from Commonwealth nations wrapped up two days of high-level talks at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM) in Windhoek, Namibia, pledging to boost intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion by 2030, attract sustainable investment, and uphold a fair, rules-based multilateral trading system. Held alongside the first-ever Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS), the gatherings marked a milestone in uniting policymakers, business leaders, and development partners to shape a shared economic vision.
The CTMM, the first of its kind hosted in Africa, concluded with the adoption of a forward-looking Outcome Statement and a joint Commonwealth Statement on the Multilateral Trading System for the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon in 2026. Amid rising protectionism, climate challenges, and a fragmented global economy, ministers emphasized leveraging the Commonwealth’s 21% trade advantage—driven by shared language, legal systems, and trust—to achieve their ambitious trade target.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey highlighted the meeting’s significance. “Together, we have explored new pathways for deepening intra-Commonwealth trade, enhancing investment, leveraging digital trade, and building resilient economies. The outcomes of the Windhoek meeting showcase the enduring value of Commonwealth collaboration.” She urged unity against threats to global trade progress, emphasizing inclusive benefits for all member nations.
Minister of international relations, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, celebrated the summit’s success. “We were brave enough to host the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit to kickstart practical steps toward our $2 trillion trade goal. Our call has been heard.” She reaffirmed the group’s support for a rules-based trade system and noted the forthcoming WTO statement.
Ministers also endorsed initiatives to expand trade and investment across the 54-member bloc, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s role as a driver of sustainable economic growth. The outcomes signal a united front as the group prepares for global trade discussions in 2026.
The CTMM, the first of its kind hosted in Africa, concluded with the adoption of a forward-looking Outcome Statement and a joint Commonwealth Statement on the Multilateral Trading System for the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon in 2026. Amid rising protectionism, climate challenges, and a fragmented global economy, ministers emphasized leveraging the Commonwealth’s 21% trade advantage—driven by shared language, legal systems, and trust—to achieve their ambitious trade target.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey highlighted the meeting’s significance. “Together, we have explored new pathways for deepening intra-Commonwealth trade, enhancing investment, leveraging digital trade, and building resilient economies. The outcomes of the Windhoek meeting showcase the enduring value of Commonwealth collaboration.” She urged unity against threats to global trade progress, emphasizing inclusive benefits for all member nations.
Minister of international relations, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, celebrated the summit’s success. “We were brave enough to host the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit to kickstart practical steps toward our $2 trillion trade goal. Our call has been heard.” She reaffirmed the group’s support for a rules-based trade system and noted the forthcoming WTO statement.
Ministers also endorsed initiatives to expand trade and investment across the 54-member bloc, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s role as a driver of sustainable economic growth. The outcomes signal a united front as the group prepares for global trade discussions in 2026.
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