Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Seeks Second Term as WTO Director-General

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Nigerian Minister of Finance and current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has announced her intention to seek a second term as head of the global trade body. In an interview with Reuters, Okonjo-Iweala, 70, expressed her desire to continue leading the WTO, citing “unfinished business” from her first term.

Okonjo-Iweala made history in 2021 by becoming the first African and the first woman to lead the WTO in its 30-year history. She is now pursuing another four-year term, emphasizing her commitment to critical issues such as finalizing deals on fisheries subsidies, advancing global agricultural negotiations, reforming the WTO’s dispute resolution system, and promoting decarbonization in trade.

“I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story and I stand ready to compete for the position,” she said, indicating that she plans to formally communicate her intentions to the WTO’s decision-making body.

The process to secure her second term has gained early momentum, thanks to a strong push led by African nations. Okonjo-Iweala is expected to officially decide by the end of November, although her bid could advance if no other candidates emerge, as the WTO operates by consensus.

Her candidacy comes at a crucial moment as she aims to solidify reforms in a rapidly changing global trade environment.