Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria has been reappointed as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This marks her second term, which will end on August 31, 2025. She was first elected on February 15, 2021.
The WTO’s 166 members agreed to grant her a second term during a special meeting of the General Council, stating they have “agreed to give incumbent Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala a second term as director-general.”
Okonjo-Iweala, 70, was the only candidate, and her reappointment was almost guaranteed.
She expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members.”
She called her reappointment a “privilege” and vowed she is “firmly committed to delivering results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges.”
Since taking office, Okonjo-Iweala has sought to revive the WTO by focusing on urgent issues like climate change and health.
Congratulatory Messages
The president of her home country, Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, praised her reappointment, showcasing her “exceptional leadership” and the international community’s trust in her.
In a press release by his Special Adviser on Communication, Bayo Onanuga, the president noted, “Okonjo-Iweala made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the WTO.” He expressed confidence that her leadership will strengthen the WTO’s role in global economic growth.
The president reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for Okonjo-Iweala as she pursues “bold reforms, dedication to equitable global trade practices, and tireless efforts to promote international cooperation.”
Mrs Okonjo-Iweala twice served as Nigeria’s finance minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and its first female foreign minister. Before her appointment, she spent many years of her career at the World Bank and served on the board of several global organizations.
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