- World Trade Organisation (WTO) reappointed Okonjo-Iweala for a second term
- Reappointment was confirmed by consensus in the WTO General Council
- Also, African nations advocated for a quicker reappointment process ahead of the WTO's 2026 ministerial conference
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Nigeria's Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General.
The first woman and African to lead the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala was reappointed for a second term on Friday, November 29, with no opposition in the race.
Okonjo-Iweala secures unopposed second term as WTO DG
“today agreed to give incumbent Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala a second term as director-general,” the WTO stated.
While her current term ends in August 2025, and the appointment process was initially scheduled to take months, African nations called for a faster process to better prepare for the WTO's upcoming ministerial conference in Cameroon in 2026.
The WTO stated that the 70-year-old Nigerian's reappointment was confirmed by consensus in a private General Council meeting.
Since taking over the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala has aimed to revitalise the organisation, pushing for new priorities such as addressing climate change and improving health outcomes.
Okonjo-Iweala held the role of Nigeria’s finance minister twice, from 2003 to 2006 and 2011 to 2015, and was also the nation’s first female foreign minister for a brief two-month period in 2006.
First elected as WTO Director-General on February 15, 2021, Okonjo-Iweala shared her excitement after her reappointment, calling it an "honour" and a "privilege."
Okonjo-Iweala pledges continued dedication to inclusive global trade
The statement read, “I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term.
“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges.
“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.”
20 interesting facts you may not know about Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Dr Okonjo-Iweala clocked 70 on June 13, which was celebrated by many people across the country.
TheRadar compiled 20 things people didn’t know about her.