Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Bid for Second Term as WTO Director-General

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), officially announced her candidacy for a second term on Monday, September 16.

The former Nigerian finance minister expressed her desire to continue addressing “unfinished business” from her first term.

She said, “I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story, and I stand ready to compete for the position,” Okonjo-Iweala said, citing a letter she plans to send to the trade body’s main decision-making body.

“For my second term, I intend to focus on delivering,” she added, mentioning that among her priorities are addressing “unfinished business.”

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s current term is set to end on August 31, 2025. Some analysts suggest that her early announcement is a strategic move to secure her reappointment before the upcoming U.S. presidential elections in November.

Background

At 70 years old, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made history three years ago by becoming the first female and first African to lead the WTO.

The appointment of the WTO’s Director-General is typically decided by consensus among its 165 member countries. However, the final decision can be significantly influenced by key members.

In 2021, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration temporarily blocked Okonjo-Iweala’s nomination. It wasn’t until Joe Biden took office that she was successfully appointed to the position.

Asked whether both she and the WTO could be successful if Trump were re-elected, she said: “I don’t focus on that because I have no control.”

Last July, African nations put forward Okonjo-Iweala’s name for a second term, underscoring the continent’s support for her continued leadership.

The WTO is responsible for overseeing global trade rules and regulations.