WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala predicted the AI boom and expanding data centers will provide a significant lift to global trade by 2026. Speaking on Bloomberg's 'The Pulse,' she framed these technological shifts as key drivers for future economic activity, countering recent protectionist trends and supply chain disruptions that have weighed on merchandise trade volumes.

Her comments come as major tech firms pour hundreds of billions into AI infrastructure, creating demand for specialized components and services that cross borders. This aligns with the WTO's mandate to monitor and facilitate trade in emerging sectors. The forecast suggests a potential rebound for logistics, shipping, and manufacturing sectors tied to the digital economy's physical backbone.

Investors should watch for policy shifts that could either accelerate or hinder this trade flow. The conversation also featured South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and others, highlighting how global trade governance is adapting to technological change. The next test will be whether multilateral frameworks can keep pace with the speed of AI-driven commerce.