Fifty-eight of the 164 member states of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have officially endorsed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the incumbent Director-General and former Nigerian finance minister, for a second term. This development follows a robust proposal from the African Group, which was discussed during a meeting of the WTO General Council on July 22.
The WTO’s statement highlighted the widespread support for Okonjo-Iweala, noting, “Fifty-eight members, several speaking on behalf of groups of members, took the floor to comment and express their support for the African Group proposal. They called on DG Okonjo-Iweala to make her intentions regarding a second term known as soon as possible. Most of these members praised the DG’s hard work and her achievements during her first term.”
Expressing her gratitude, Okonjo-Iweala said, “Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together.” She acknowledged the members’ support and indicated that she would soon make her intentions clear regarding a second term, stating that she takes their call “very seriously” and is “favorably inclined” to consider it.
Okonjo-Iweala, who took office on March 1, 2021, has made history as the first female and first African to serve as WTO Director-General. Her current term, which expires on August 31, 2025, saw her navigate numerous global trade challenges and advocate for reforms within the WTO.
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Before her tenure at the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala had a distinguished career at the World Bank, where she served for over two decades, rising to the position of Managing Director, Operations. She also served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, from 2003 to 2006 and 2011 to 2015, and was briefly the country’s Foreign Minister in 2006—the first woman to hold both positions.
Her leadership at the WTO has been marked by efforts to promote global trade equity, manage trade disputes, and address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The strong backing for her second term underscores the confidence that member states have in her ability to continue steering the organization towards more inclusive and effective global trade policies.
