01/04/2026
Through the facilitation of , the Founder and CEO of Women In Development For Change – WID4C, Margaret Bechem Bechem, had the honor of participating in the Civil Society Dialogue and Business Forum held during the just-concluded 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) at the Congress Hall, Yaoundé – Cameroon.
In an increasingly volatile and interconnected world, the need for inclusive, accountable, and transformative systems has never been more urgent.
The Civil Society Dialogue brought together Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders and experts from across the world to critically examine how multilateral trading systems can be reshaped to better serve Africa’s realities, aspirations, and developmental priorities.
In parallel, the Business Forum convened influential voices from both the private and public sectors to engage in strategic conversations around Africa’s economic future.
The forum featured a keynote address from renowned business magnate Aliko Dangote, GCON, which was delivered on his behalf by Ellis Nzo, Managing Director of Access Bank. In his address, he emphasized the urgent need for Africa to move beyond being merely a supplier of raw materials if the continent is to chart a prosperous and sustainable future.
As a social entrepreneur and development advocate, the Founder of WID4C was proud to be present at this historic gathering not only to witness history but also to contribute her voice to the growing call for accountable leadership across Africa.
She stressed that the anticipated WTO reforms must not remain symbolic or confined to high-level signatories alone. Rather, they must be bold, practical, and people-centered, with the power to generate meaningful and measurable impact in the everyday lives of African communities.
As the curtains close at the Congress Hall, our hope remains alive: that Africa will embrace a new era of accountability, visionary leadership, and collective responsibility—where leaders do not serve for personal gain, but to build a legacy that will outlive them.
Africa can indeed change the narrative, but only if Africans are willing to transform individualistic mindsets, build accountable systems, and stand side by side in pursuit of shared progress.
A special note of appreciation goes to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a woman of valor, a beacon of excellence, and an enduring inspiration to African women and the world at large.
Thank you for your bold and transformative leadership, and for your vision in steering the WTO toward a more impactful future.
Africa is proud of you.
