Nigerian economist and former finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been reappointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This marks her second term in office, which will run until August 31, 2025.
Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO, was the sole candidate in the race for reappointment. Her second term was confirmed by consensus during a special meeting of the WTO’s General Council, held behind closed doors. With no opposition, the 70-year-old’s reappointment had been all but assured. The swift process was expedited by African countries who requested a faster timeline to facilitate preparations for the WTO’s next major ministerial conference scheduled for 2026 in Cameroon.
Since assuming leadership of the WTO in 2021, Okonjo-Iweala has worked to invigorate the organization, addressing global challenges such as climate change and public health. Under her leadership, the WTO has sought to reshape its focus, positioning itself as a key player in promoting trade as a tool for economic growth and resilience.
In response to her reappointment, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her gratitude and excitement. “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 said. “As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world.”
Her leadership has emphasized building a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system. Okonjo-Iweala reiterated her commitment to working with WTO staff to tackle shared global challenges and create economic opportunities for all.
Before becoming WTO’s Director-General, Okonjo-Iweala held several key roles, including serving twice as Nigeria’s finance minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and briefly as the country’s foreign minister in 2006. Her reappointment solidifies her leadership in global trade at a critical time for the multilateral organization.
