The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed the reappointment of Nigeria’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second term. The announcement was made on Friday via a post on the organization’s official X account.
According to the WTO General Council, Okonjo-Iweala’s second term will commence on September 1, 2025, extending her leadership for another four years. The Council noted that the decision was made by consensus, reflecting widespread recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the organization’s future.
The reappointment process, which began on October 8, 2024, was managed by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council. With no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline, Okonjo-Iweala remained the sole candidate. The process adhered to the WTO’s established procedures for appointing Directors-General.
During a special General Council meeting held on November 28-29, 2024, Okonjo-Iweala presented her vision for the WTO’s future and engaged in a Q&A session with member states. Following this, the Council unanimously endorsed her reappointment.
The Council commended Okonjo-Iweala’s achievements during her first term, stating:
“Amid significant global economic challenges, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization. Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made history when she first assumed office on March 1, 2021, as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO. Her first term will conclude on August 31, 2025.
Her reappointment reaffirms her pivotal role in navigating the WTO through complex global challenges and advancing its mission of promoting fair and inclusive trade worldwide.
