Fifty-eight of the 164-member states of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have endorsed former Nigerian finance minister and current Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for a second term. This backing was confirmed during a WTO General Council meeting on July 22, as noted in a statement released by the global trade body.
The endorsement follows a proposal from the African Group, urging Okonjo-Iweala to make herself available for another term. The WTO statement highlighted the African Group’s recommendation, stating, “The African Group requests that the current Director-General make herself available to serve a second term, and has proposed that the process of reappointing the Director-General should be started as soon as possible.”
Support for Okonjo-Iweala’s continuation in her role was overwhelming, with fifty-eight members, many representing groups of nations, voicing their endorsement. The members commended her leadership and the progress made under her tenure. “Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together,” Okonjo-Iweala expressed in gratitude, acknowledging the collective effort behind the successes of her first term.
Okonjo-Iweala, who took office on March 1, 2021, has had a distinguished career, both in Nigeria and internationally. Before becoming the WTO’s first female and first African Director-General, she served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, and briefly as Foreign Minister, marking her as the first woman to hold both positions. Her tenure at the World Bank as a development economist, where she rose to the position of Managing Director, Operations, further solidified her reputation as a seasoned and capable leader in global finance and trade.
Her first term, set to expire on August 31, 2025, has been marked by significant challenges and achievements, including navigating the global trade landscape through the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the hurdles, her leadership has been praised for its inclusiveness and effectiveness.
Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged the gravity of the endorsement and hinted at a favorable inclination towards serving a second term, promising to convey her decision to WTO members soon. As the global trade community anticipates her response, the widespread support underscores the trust and confidence placed in her leadership to steer the WTO through evolving global economic challenges.
