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Mar 25
2026
Yaoundé
Cameroon
WTO MC14: High-Level Launch of EIF Phase Three
Background and Context
The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) is the only multilateral partnership dedicated exclusively to supporting least developed countries (LDCs) in leveraging trade and investment for inclusive, resilient and sustainable development, which is recognized under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs (DPoA).
EIF Phase Three (2025–2031) is being launched at a defining moment for LDCs and recently graduated countries. Many continue to face persistent structural vulnerabilities: narrow export bases, underdeveloped trade and investment frameworks, limited productive capacities and high exposure to external shocks. These challenges have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crises, supply chain disruptions and an increasingly uncertain global economic environment. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging in areas such as green trade, digitalization, services trade, regional integration and enhanced South–South cooperation.
Responding to this evolving landscape, EIF Phase Three reflects a paradigm shift and introduces a reformed, forward-looking and system-based approach. It shifts from a project-driven approach to multi-year country programming centred on LDC ownership, flexibility, catalytic impact and long-term sustainability. Guided by the EIF Phase Three vision of “Inclusive trade and investment for resilient, sustainable and transformative development” and the mission to “Empower the LDCs to lead their sustainable economic transformation by harnessing their trade and investment potential,” Phase Three aims to foster competitive, diversified, inclusive and resilient LDC economies that are better integrated into the global trade and investment system.
The path toward EIF Phase Three has already been marked by strong engagement from LDCs and partners. The first high-level event on the road to EIF Phase Three took place at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla in June 2025, followed by the High-Level Platform for LDC Partnerships during the EIF Global Forum in Geneva in September 2025. These events reaffirmed broad support for the EIF’s future direction and generated initial pledges amounting to approximately USD 23 million. Building on this foundation, the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé provides a strategic and high-profile platform to officially launch EIF Phase Three at the highest political level, demonstrate early action and mobilize an expanded coalition of partners committed to supporting multilateral LDC trade and investment ambitions.
Objectives of the high-level event
Held on the margins of MC14, this High-Level Launch aims to:
1. Officially launch EIF Phase Three: Highlight the strategic direction, reform elements and ambition of Phase Three through statements by the WTO Director-General, Heads of State or Government (e.g., Vice-President of The Gambia), ministers and recently graduated countries.
2. Mobilize political momentum and High-level opportunity to pledge support and partnerships under EIF Phase Three: Provide a dedicated moment for funding partners, to announce pledges, intentions or continued support for EIF Phase Three and its delivery model. EIF partners voices will showcase partnerships as a key success factor for Phase Three.
3. Elevate LDC voices by highlighting their vision and priorities for EIF Phase Three: Provide a high-level platform for the LDCs to articulate how they see EIF Phase Three supporting their trade and investment ambitions. This will underscore LDC ownership of the new phase, highlight their strategic priorities and expectations, and strengthen alignment between national development objectives and partner support under the renewed, programmatic approach of EIF Phase Three.
Participants
The event will bring together delegations and stakeholders registered to attend MC14, with a particular focus on high-level representatives engaged in LDC trade, investment and development priorities. Participants are expected to include:
1. LDC and recently graduated country delegations, including ministers and, where possible, Heads of State or Government.
2. Funding partners, including bilateral and multilateral partners.
3. International organizations and partner agencies represented at MC14.
4. Regional organizations and development finance institutions participating in the Ministerial Conference.
5. Private sector entities and foundations present at MC14 and engaged in trade and investment in LDCs.
6. Other MC14 stakeholders with an interest in supporting LDC trade, investment and sustainable development.