In December 2025, Barbados, Belize, and Ghana each signed a Protocol of Accession to become developing country Members of the ACWL. We are delighted to welcome Barbados, Belize, and Ghana as our newest Members. These accessions were made possible thanks to the financial support of Norway and its commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system. We are grateful to Norway for its generosity in helping these countries to accede to the ACWL.
Following these accessions, 85 countries*, or more than half of the Members of the WTO – are entitled to turn to the ACWL for free advice and training on WTO law, as well as support in WTO dispute settlement proceedings. We look forward to working closely with Barbados, Belize, and Ghana to support their effective participation in the WTO.
Any Member of the WTO and any state or separate customs territory that is in the process of acceding to the WTO may apply to become a Member of the ACWL. The 43 least-developed countries (LDCs) that are Members of the WTO or are in the process of acceding to the WTO are automatically entitled to the services of the ACWL, without having to become Members of the ACWL.
* Includes separate customs territories
13 January 2026