Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and first woman to ever lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has been reappointed as the organisation’s Director-General for a second term. Her reappointment was confirmed on Thursday, with her new mandate set to run until August 31, 2025.
Okonjo-Iweala’s initial term as WTO chief began on February 15, 2021, and her leadership has been marked by a steady commitment to revitalising the WTO amid global challenges. Her second term comes as no surprise, as she was the only candidate for the role, ensuring a smooth and unanimous approval process by the WTO’s 166 member countries. The General Council, which oversees the WTO, reached a consensus decision during a closed-door meeting.
At 70 years old, Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment signifies continued trust in her ability to navigate the complex global trade landscape. The accelerated reappointment process, initially scheduled to take several months, was expedited following calls from African nations to prepare for the WTO’s upcoming Ministerial Conference in Cameroon in 2026.
Since taking the helm at the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala has focused on modernising the organisation and expanding its scope beyond traditional trade matters to include pressing global issues such as climate change and health. Her leadership has sought to make the WTO a more inclusive, equitable, and forward-looking platform for global trade.
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Expressing her gratitude after the reappointment, Okonjo-Iweala stated, “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 term. I remain firmly committed to delivering results that improve the lives of people around the world.”
The former Nigerian Finance Minister, who served in two separate terms (2003–2006 and 2011–2015), reaffirmed her dedication to working with WTO staff and member countries to build a fairer, rules-based multilateral trading system.
As the world faces increasing economic challenges, Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership is poised to play a crucial role in shaping global trade policies that foster economic growth and resilience for all nations.
