Okonjo-Iweala re-elected for second term as WTO DG

The first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has officially secured a second term as Director-General.

Okonjo-Iweala, 70, had announced her intention to seek a second term in September.

Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, chair of the General Council, also informed WTO members that no other nominations were received before the 8 November deadline.

Her current tenure, which began in March 2021, is set to conclude in August 2025.

Confirming her re-election, WTO on its verified X page (formerly Twitter) on Friday, November 29 in a terse post said: “Breaking: the General Council has appointed Director-General @NOIweala for a second term, effective 1 September 2025. More details to follow.”

The appointment of the Director-General is made by consensus among the WTO’s 166 member countries, a process she successfully navigated despite initial hurdles.

What is WTO?

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that deals with the rules of trade between nations.

Its main goal is to promote free trade and economic cooperation among its member countries.

The WTO was established in 1995 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It has 164 member countries, which account for more than 98% of global trade.

The WTO’s main functions include setting and enforcing rules for international trade, providing a platform for countries to negotiate trade agreements, and resolving trade disputes between countries.

The organization also provides technical assistance and training to help developing countries build their capacity to participate in international trade.

Overall, the WTO plays a crucial role in promoting global economic growth, development, and stability.

About Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala?

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian economist and international development expert who has made history as the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO) as Director-General, a position she assumed in March 2021.

With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Okonjo-Iweala has established herself as a leading voice in global economic development.

She served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, first under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2003 to 2006, and then under President Goodluck Jonathan from 2011 to 2015.

Okonjo-Iweala has also held various high-profile positions, including Managing Director of the World Bank, Chair of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and Co-Chair of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate.

Throughout her career, Okonjo-Iweala has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to global economic development, including being named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME Magazine in 2014 and 2021.

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