The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called for stronger and more inclusive global partnerships to help least-developed countries (LDCs) harness trade as a pathway to growth, resilience, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the High-Level Platform for LDC Partnerships in Geneva, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala underscored that trade partnerships remain vital to addressing the structural challenges of LDCs, particularly as the world prepares for Phase Three of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF).
The gathering, co-organized by The Gambia (Coordinator of the WTO LDC Group), Germany (EIF Funding Partner Coordinator), and the EIF Secretariat, was part of the EIF Global Forum 2025, themed “Accelerating Impact – On the Road to EIF Phase Three.” It brought together ministers, development agencies, private sector leaders, international organizations, and more than 70 LDC trade ministry representatives to chart a future of inclusive global trade.
EIF Phase Three: Scaling Trade for Resilience
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala described the upcoming EIF Phase Three as a “pivotal step” that builds on over 15 years of progress. The program, set to launch in the coming weeks ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon (March 2026), will focus on equipping LDCs to overcome supply chain disruptions, climate-related challenges, and financial vulnerabilities.
“Partnerships are the cornerstone of progress,” she said. “Trade must not only generate economic growth but also deliver real opportunities, jobs, and resilience for people in vulnerable nations.”
Empowerment Through Trade: Mali Shea Producers’ Story
To illustrate the transformative power of trade, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala shared the story of a women-led cooperative in southern Mali. With EIF support, the group has scaled production of 3,400 tonnes of shea nuts and processed 1,100 tonnes of shea butter since 2019. Of this, 420 tonnes were exported to international markets, generating over USD 2 million in revenue.
“Behind each statistic are people’s lives,” she emphasized. “For these women, trade has meant higher incomes, social and economic empowerment, and the ability to withstand shocks. These are the kinds of successes we need to multiply.”
Global Partners Reaffirm Commitment
Other notable speakers included:
- Hon. Baboucarr Bouy, Minister of Public Service of The Gambia and WTO LDC Group Coordinator.
- H.E. Mr. Manothong Vongxay, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR.
- Ms. Helge Zeitler, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Special guests such as Jochen Wermuth (Managing Director, Wermuth Asset Management) and Eng. Adeeb Y. Al Aama (CEO, Islamic Trade Finance Corporation) also joined the discussions.
A dynamic panel of stakeholders from governments, multilateral agencies, and private initiatives shared strategies to cut trade costs, boost competitiveness, and drive sustainable investment for LDCs.
The forum concluded with Pamela Coke Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), stressing that inclusive partnerships are crucial if LDCs are to benefit fully from global trade opportunities.
EIF’s Exclusive Role in Supporting LDCs
The Enhanced Integrated Framework remains the only global Aid for Trade program dedicated exclusively to LDCs. Its mandate focuses on helping these economies integrate into international trade, reduce poverty, and build resilience through technical support, infrastructure investment, and capacity-building programs.
With EIF Phase Three on the horizon, partners expressed optimism that trade will serve as a powerful engine for job creation, empowerment, and inclusive prosperity across the developing world
WTO DG Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has urged stronger global partnerships to support least-developed countries (LDCs) at the EIF Global Forum 2025 in Geneva. She highlighted success stories and outlined priorities for EIF Phase Three ahead of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon.
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