On March 4, 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between WTO Secretariat Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and European Investment Bank (EIB) President Nadia Calviño. This agreement aims to increase sustainable trade and investment globally. The partnership’s goals are to improve the regulatory environment, promote investment, and expand business opportunities for developing countries. A key component of the agreement is the EIB–WTO Trade and Investment Facilitation Initiative, which will support developing countries’ regulatory reforms, investment planning, and trade-related project preparation and investment.

Additionally, the initiative was created to generate mutual benefits in investment and trade opportunities that align with the EU’s Global Gateway priorities. The initial focus will be on selected African countries, involving critical sectors that open up investment opportunities. Specifically, the EIB President states, “This agreement between the European Investment Bank and the World Trade Organization Secretariat will help turn trade policy dialogue into concrete, high-impact investments. It will help partner countries attract more and better-quality investment, while supporting reform and creating new trading opportunities for EU businesses. At a time when we need them most, it contributes to win-win partnerships based on mutual respect for shared prosperity.”