Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second term. Her current tenure is set to conclude on August 31, 2025.
Okonjo-Iweala was initially elected to the role on February 15, 2021, becoming the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO. In this recent reappointment process, she was the sole candidate and widely expected to secure a second term.
The WTO announced that its 166 member states had reached a consensus to extend Okonjo-Iweala’s tenure. The decision was confirmed during a closed-door session of the organization’s General Council.
Although her current term runs until August 2025, the reappointment process was expedited, largely at the request of African nations, to ensure adequate preparation for the WTO’s next major ministerial conference, scheduled for 2026 in Cameroon.
Throughout her leadership, the 70-year-old has sought to revitalize the WTO, with a particular focus on addressing global challenges such as climate change and public health.
Breaking: the General Council has appointed Director-General @NOIweala for a second term, effective 1 September 2025. More details to follow. pic.twitter.com/JSqC4RDZ8o
— WTO (@wto) November 29, 2024
‘I am Deeply Honoured’
Following her reappointment, an elated Okonjo-Iweala said she was “honoured” and counted the move as a “privilege”.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term,” she said in a statement on the organisation’s website.
“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges,” the former Nigerian finance minister said.
“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.”
Okonjo-Iweala twice served as Nigeria’s finance minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and its first female foreign minister in a two-month stint in 2006.