Why Okonjo-Iweala may become first female World Bank President in 74 years

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former vice-president of the World Bank and a two-time finance minister of Nigeria has said that she is ready to lead the World Bank if nominated for the job.

Okonjo-Iweala spoke on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos recently, noted that many people have been asking if she would take the job this time around haven contested against Jim Yong Kim, the outgoing president in 2012.

“I know that, because I contested the last time in 2012, and many people were asking that question. It is a shareholder’s decision and they have to decide how they want it. Someone has to nominate,” she explained.

“If the right person were to nominate, and if the circumstances are right and people feel I can do the job, yes.”

Dr Ngozi Okonjo–Iweala, who was Chair-elect of the Gavi Board in Geneva, 2015, was asked by CNN’s Richard Quest if she has declared her candidacy, which she answered no.

“No I have not declared my candidacy, you asked a hypothetical question and I answered it fairly. I’m very happy right now, and I just want you to know that I’m enjoying life for a change for a portfolio of what I like.”

In 2012, Okonjo-Iweala was one of the top three persons for the job, alongside the outgoing president, Jim Kim and Jose Antonio Ocampo, Columbian finance minister.

If she is nominated for the job, and eventually voted into office, Okonjo-Iweala will be the first non-American, African and the first female to lead the World Bank in 74 years.

Also Read: World Bank President Jim Yong Kim Resigns