The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced the reappointment of Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second four-year term, set to begin on September 1, 2025.
The decision, confirmed during a General Council meeting, highlights the broad recognition of her leadership and strategic vision for the organization.
The reappointment process, launched on October 8, 2024, was led by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway. With no other candidates nominated by the November 8 deadline, Okonjo-Iweala remained the sole contender.
During a special session in late November 2024, she presented her vision for the WTO’s future, which received unanimous endorsement.
The General Council praised her achievements during her first term, including steering the WTO through global economic challenges and delivering significant outcomes at the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences.
“With no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate. The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s ‘Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General’ (WT/L/509).
“During a special General Council meeting on November 28-29, 2024, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO. Following her presentation and a Q&A session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.”
“The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term. Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization. Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved,” WTO wrote.
Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and African to lead the WTO, initially assumed office on March 1, 2021. Her first term will conclude on August 31, 2025.
