Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), has officially secured a second term as Director-General.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced that its 166 member states have unanimously agreed to reappoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term.
The decision, finalised during a closed-door session of the WTO’s General Council, ensures the 70-year-old Nigerian economist will continue her leadership beyond her current term, which ends in August 2025. Her reappointment marks a significant consensus within the organization.
Initially, the process to determine the next term was expected to take months. However, Okonjo-Iweala’s status as the sole candidate, combined with strong advocacy from African nations, expedited the decision. The move aims to facilitate preparations for the WTO’s upcoming ministerial conference in Cameroon, scheduled for 2026.
Keith Rockwell, a senior research fellow at the Hinrich Foundation, noted an additional, unstated motive: avoiding potential political interference from the United States, reminiscent of former President Donald Trump’s 2020 veto that delayed Okonjo-Iweala’s initial appointment. Her leadership officially began after President Joe Biden assumed office in early 2021.
Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council, confirmed that no other nominations were received by the 8 November deadline.
Okonjo-Iweala’s current term, which began in March 2021, will conclude in August 2025. Her second term is set to commence on 1 September 2025.
The WTO announced her reappointment on Friday, November 29, via its verified X (formerly Twitter) account, stating:
Okonjo-Iweala’s tenure has been marked by a determined push for reforms within the WTO, an agenda she has championed since her initial appointment. Despite initial challenges, she successfully navigated the consensus-based appointment process involving all 166 WTO member countries.
Her re-election underscores global confidence in her leadership and vision for addressing the challenges facing international trade.
