Commonwealth Trade Ministers Unite to Grow Intra-Commonwealth Trade to $2 Trillion by 2030

Trade Ministers from across the Commonwealth have concluded two days of high-level deliberations in Windhoek, Namibia, at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM), reaffirming their shared commitment to deepen intra-Commonwealth trade, unlock sustainable investment, and uphold the integrity of the multilateral trading system.

Held alongside the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS), which closed yesterday, the two landmark events marked a significant step in connecting policymakers with business leaders and development partners to chart a unified economic future.

The CTMM, the first ever held on African soil, concluded with the adoption of a forward-looking Outcome Statement and agreement on a joint Commonwealth Statement on the Multilateral Trading System, which will be presented at the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), reinforcing the group’s united position in favour of fair, inclusive, and rules-based global trade.

Against the backdrop of rising protectionism, climate instability, and a fragmented global economy, Ministers focused on strategies to leverage the Commonwealth’s 21% trade advantage — rooted in shared language, legal systems, and trust — to achieve the goal of growing intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion by 2030.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, stated:
“Together, we have explored new pathways for deepening intra-Commonwealth trade, enhancing investment, leveraging digital trade, accelerating the sustainable energy transition, and building resilient economies. The outcomes of this meeting are yet another shining example of the enduring value of Commonwealth collaboration.”

“We must stand firm and united in resisting any efforts that risk undermining our progress and prosperity. The Commonwealth has demonstrated how we can work together to ensure that all our people benefit from international trade.”

Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, added:
“We were bold in hosting the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit to advance the practical aspects of growing intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion and beyond. I dare say we have been successful and that our clarion call has been heard.”
“During this meeting, we overwhelmingly reaffirmed support for a rules-based multilateral trading system. In that regard, we have concluded a joint statement for the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon in 2026, which will be formally presented at the next WTO General Council meeting.”

During the meeting, ministers endorsed several concrete initiatives to expand trade and investment across the Commonwealth:

• Operationalisation Plan for the Working Group on Trade and Investment, focusing on priority activities to invigorate trade and investment among member states.
• Launch of the Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) — a platform to help countries identify bankable projects and connect with credible investors.
• Progress on the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade, aimed at reducing friction in cross-border e-commerce.
• Recognition of opportunities for greater cooperation and public-private investment in energy transition, food security, and critical minerals.
• Reaffirmed support for MSMEs, youth and women-led businesses, and improving digital readiness in vulnerable economies.

The CTMM built on the momentum of the Commonwealth Business Summit, which concluded on Thursday. Held in parallel for the first time, the Summit brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and development financiers to better align private sector priorities with public policy.

Looking ahead to the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, Trade Ministers called on Commonwealth leaders to build on the momentum from Windhoek — deepening integration, protecting the global trading system, and ensuring that trade continues to drive prosperity and resilience for all member states.