Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), has announced her intention to seek a second four-year term when her current mandate expires in August 2025. The news was confirmed by her spokesperson, Ismaila Dieng, on Monday.
“We can confirm that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has officially announced her intention to seek a second term as Director-General of the WTO,” Dieng stated, adding that the 70-year-old has garnered “overwhelming and broad-based support” from the WTO’s members.
Her official decision was communicated to Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg, the current chair of the WTO, as the African Group within the organization formally requested her re-nomination. No other candidates have emerged so far.
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Okonjo-Iweala, who took office in March 2021, has emphasized revitalizing the 166-member organization and resolving longstanding trade disputes. A former Nigerian foreign and finance minister, she has been praised for her ability to bring together diverse interests and push for meaningful reforms within the WTO.
With her leadership widely supported, Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy for a second term seems to be on solid ground.
