Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), has been reappointed for a second term as Director-General, a role she has held since February 2021.
The WTO’s 166 members confirmed her reappointment by consensus during a special meeting of the organization’s General Council, which was held behind closed doors on November 29, 2024. Her new term will extend until August 31, 2025.
Okonjo-Iweala, who was the only candidate for the role, had been widely anticipated to secure a second term. Her leadership has been crucial in revitalizing the WTO, particularly during challenging times when global trade faced numerous disruptions.
She was first elected on February 15, 2021, and made history as the first female and African Director-General of the WTO. During her first term, she focused on modernizing the WTO, bringing attention to issues such as the digital economy, climate change, health, and inclusivity in global trade.
The reappointment process was initially expected to take several months, but with Okonjo-Iweala being the sole candidate, African countries pushed for an expedited process. This was aimed at ensuring adequate preparations for the next major ministerial conference scheduled to take place in Cameroon in 2026.
In a statement following her reappointment, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term.” She emphasized that her focus will remain on driving economic growth, resilience, and addressing global challenges through trade.
Throughout her tenure, Okonjo-Iweala has worked to address trade imbalances and foster collaboration among WTO members, seeking to make the multilateral trading system more inclusive and equitable.
“I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world,” she stated.
Before taking on the WTO role, Okonjo-Iweala served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister on two occasions (2003-2006 and 2011-2015), and briefly as the country’s first female Foreign Minister in 2006.
She is widely regarded for her expertise in international economics and her strong track record in global financial institutions, including the World Bank.
Her second term will involve further efforts to reform the WTO, ensuring that it remains relevant in addressing contemporary issues like climate change, public health, and the increasing importance of digital trade.
Okonjo-Iweala has already made significant strides in positioning the organization as a central body for global trade negotiations and policy development.
