The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has officially confirmed the reappointment of Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the organization’s Director-General for a second term, marking a significant moment in her leadership at the global trade body.
The announcement was made by the WTO in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, signaling her continued leadership in the face of ongoing global challenges. Okonjo-Iweala’s second term will begin on September 1, 2025, as confirmed by the WTO’s General Council.
The General Council of the WTO emphasized that Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment reflects the global recognition of her outstanding leadership qualities and her strategic vision to guide the WTO into the future. The decision to extend her tenure was made by consensus, underscoring the broad support she enjoys within the organization. According to the General Council, this reappointment acknowledges her significant contributions in her first term and the hope that she will continue steering the organization toward further successes.
The reappointment process began on October 8, 2024, when the WTO initiated the call for nominations for the Director-General role. The process was conducted in a transparent and open manner, led by Ambassador Petter Ølberg from Norway, the Chair of the General Council. Okonjo-Iweala stood unopposed after the deadline for nominations passed on November 8, 2024, further solidifying her position as the consensus choice for the job.
During a special meeting of the WTO General Council held between November 28 and November 29, 2024, Okonjo-Iweala presented her vision for the future of the organization. In a highly anticipated session, she addressed WTO members, articulating her strategic plans for the organization’s future in the face of an evolving global economic landscape. Following her presentation, a robust Q&A session was held, after which the Council formally endorsed her reappointment without opposition.
The General Council’s praise for Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership highlights the key milestones achieved during her first term as Director-General. Despite the immense global economic challenges faced in recent years, her leadership helped strengthen the WTO’s ability to support its member nations. Her tenure has been instrumental in driving significant reforms and initiatives that have bolstered the organization’s role in shaping global trade.
One of the key achievements of Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership was her role in securing crucial outcomes at the WTO’s Ministerial Conferences, particularly the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13). These conferences marked pivotal moments in the WTO’s history, with major agreements and decisions made under Okonjo-Iweala’s guidance. Her diplomatic skills and ability to unite diverse member states were critical in achieving these significant milestones.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made history when she first assumed office as Director-General on March 1, 2021, becoming the first woman and the first African to hold the top position at the WTO. Her election to the position was hailed as a milestone not just for the WTO, but for global governance, reflecting the importance of diversity and inclusion in international leadership. Her first term has been characterized by her ability to navigate complex global trade issues with a vision for long-term stability.
Under her leadership, the WTO has made progress on various critical issues, including tackling the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions. Okonjo-Iweala has consistently pushed for reforms within the WTO to make it more responsive to the needs of member countries, particularly in light of the rapidly changing global trade environment. Her tenure has been marked by a focus on inclusivity and cooperation in addressing the world’s most pressing economic issues.
The announcement of her reappointment is seen as a strong endorsement of Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership and the direction she has set for the WTO in the coming years. Her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders and find common ground has been a hallmark of her leadership style, and this reappointment is a clear signal that her vision resonates with the WTO membership. It also highlights the importance of continuity in leadership as the organization faces ongoing challenges in global trade.
As Okonjo-Iweala prepares for her second term, there is widespread optimism about the future of the WTO under her continued leadership. Her first term has already set a high standard for effective governance, and her reappointment promises to further solidify the WTO’s role in shaping global trade policies. With her extensive experience and commitment to advancing multilateralism, Okonjo-Iweala is poised to continue leading the WTO with the same vision and dedication that has defined her career thus far.
