Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed for a second term as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Her new term will run until August 31, 2025. Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO, was the sole candidate for the position and had long been expected to secure the role.
The WTO’s 166 member countries reached a consensus decision to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala during a special, closed-door meeting of the General Council. While the appointment process was initially set to take months, African nations called for a faster resolution to facilitate preparations for the WTO’s upcoming ministerial conference in Cameroon in 2026.
Since assuming the WTO’s top position in February 2021, Okonjo-Iweala has worked to revitalize the organization, advocating for renewed attention on critical global issues such as climate change and health.
Breaking: the General Council has appointed Director-General @NOIweala for a second term, effective 1 September 2025. More details to follow. pic.twitter.com/JSqC4RDZ8o
— WTO (@wto) November 29, 2024
In a statement following her reappointment, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her gratitude, saying, “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 term.” She emphasized her commitment to driving results that will positively impact people globally, noting, “By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to be a collaborative platform for addressing shared global challenges.”
Okonjo-Iweala also reaffirmed her dedication to building a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.
A former Nigerian finance minister (2003-2006, 2011-2015) and the country’s first female foreign minister (in 2006), Okonjo-Iweala has earned global recognition for her leadership in economic development and international trade.
