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Summary
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization, is set to serve a second term as she remains the only candidate willing to serve.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General, is the sole nominee to lead the organisation for a second four-year term.
This confirmation came on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in a message to members from Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chairman of the WTO General Council, who noted that no other candidates came forward before the Nov. 8 deadline, effectively positioning Ngozi to continue steering the global trade body.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made history as the first African to lead the WTO when she assumed the position in March 2021. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to reform the organisation, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and address pressing issues such as trade disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine distribution, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on global trade. She has advocated for inclusive trade policies that benefit developing countries and worked to address structural challenges within the WTO, including the need for consensus-driven reform.
Prior to her role at the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, where she was credited with implementing significant economic reforms and negotiating the write-off of a debt of 18 billion dollars owed by Nigeria in 2005. She also held prominent positions at the World Bank, where she spent 25 years, rising to Managing Director. A Harvard-educated economist with a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), she is widely recognised for her expertise in international finance and development.
In a formal letter to the General Council on Sept. 16, 2024, Ngozi expressed her willingness to continue leading the World Trade Organization, citing the importance of continuity during a period of unprecedented challenges for global trade. Following her letter, the World Trade Organization opened its appointment process on Oct. 8, 2024, allowing member states one month to nominate candidates. As no additional nominations were received, Ngozi is the clear choice for reappointment, ensuring stability at the organisation.
Ambassador Petter stated that the General Council would soon announce the next steps in the appointment process, adhering to WTO procedural guidelines (WT/L/509). With Ngozi as the sole candidate and nominee, her continued leadership promises to uphold her vision of a more resilient and inclusive global trading system.
