Widespread support emerges for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s second term as WTO director general

A significant number of World Trade Organisation (WTO) member states have expressed their support for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to serve a second term as Director General. Fifty-eight out of the 164 member states backed a proposal from the African Group advocating for her reappointment during a WTO General Council meeting on July 22, according to a statement from the global trade body.

The African Group’s proposal urged Okonjo-Iweala to consider a second term and called for the reappointment process to begin promptly. “Fifty-eight members, several speaking on behalf of groups of members, took the floor to comment and express their support for the African Group proposal. They called on DG Okonjo-Iweala to make her intentions regarding a second term known as soon as possible. Most of these members praised the DG’s hard work and her achievements during her first term,” the statement read.

Okonjo-Iweala, who is 70 years old, expressed her gratitude for the support. “Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together,” she remarked. She also acknowledged the call from members, indicating she is favorably inclined and would announce her intentions soon.

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Having taken office on March 1, 2021, Okonjo-Iweala’s current term is set to expire on August 31, 2025. She is eligible for a second term. Okonjo-Iweala made history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO. Before her current role, she served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister twice (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and briefly as Foreign Minister in 2006, becoming the first woman to hold both positions.

With a distinguished 25-year career at the World Bank, Okonjo-Iweala rose to the position of Managing Director, Operations, showcasing her skills as a development economist and a skilled negotiator. Her leadership at the WTO has been marked by significant achievements, earning her widespread praise and support for a potential second term.