Okonjo-Iweala set to seek second term as WTO DG

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The first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will seek a second four-year term when her current mandate expires in August 2025, her spokesman confirmed on Monday.

“We can confirm that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has officially announced her intention to seek a second term as Director-General of the WTO,” spokesman Ismaila Dieng said in a statement.

Dieng noted that the 70-year-old made the decision after considering the “overwhelming and broad-based support expressed by WTO members.”

Her current term, leading the 166-member organization, concludes in August 2025. She officially communicated her decision to seek re-election to WTO Chair, Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg, on Monday.

At the same meeting, the WTO’s African Group formally requested that Okonjo-Iweala be available for a second term and urged that the re-nomination process begin promptly.

So far, no other candidates have emerged.

Since taking office in March 2021, Okonjo-Iweala has focused on revitalizing the organization, presenting herself as a leader who can unite members and drive progress.