Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), is poised to serve a second term as Director-General. The WTO’s selection committee, led by Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg, confirmed that no other nominations were received by the Friday deadline, leaving Okonjo-Iweala as the sole candidate.
Okonjo-Iweala, 70, initially announced her intent to seek reappointment in September. Her first term began in March 2021 and is set to end in August 2025. Known for her focus on reform, she has worked to streamline the organization, which has faced criticism for bureaucratic inertia.
Okonjo-Iweala’s first candidacy encountered resistance from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who favored a South Korean candidate. However, after President Joe Biden took office, the U.S. shifted its support, clearing the way for her historic appointment. Her reappointment will be finalized through the WTO’s consensus-based process among its 166 member countries.
