GENEVA, Switzerland — Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, securing a second term that will begin in September 2025.
The Nigerian economist, a trailblazer as both the first African and first woman to lead the WTO, faces renewed challenges in revitalising the 166-member institution amid global trade disputes and mounting economic pressures.
Known for her no-nonsense style and ability to forge compromises, Okonjo-Iweala, 70, has built a reputation as a dynamic leader.
During her first term, she achieved notable successes, including breaking a years-long deadlock to secure a deal on curbing harmful fishing subsidies.
Her reappointment, unopposed by any other candidate, reflects the broad recognition of her leadership capabilities.
British Trade Minister Douglas Alexander hailed her “steady leadership, her deep commitment to the Global South, and her understanding of the imperative of trade for global economies.”
“Forget Business as Usual”
Okonjo-Iweala’s first term began in 2021 during a tumultuous period for the WTO.
The organisation was paralysed by the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating trade tensions, and waning trust among member states.
Upon assuming the role, she declared, “Forget business as usual,” vowing to steer the institution toward reform.
Since then, she has presided over two ministerial conferences.
The 2022 gathering in Geneva produced agreements on food security, a partial waiver of COVID-19 vaccine patents, and the landmark fisheries deal.
However, the 2024 conference in Abu Dhabi yielded only a temporary extension of an e-commerce moratorium, raising fresh doubts about the WTO’s ability to broker significant agreements.
Her tenure has been marked by tireless diplomacy, travelling between global finance meetings and trade summits.
Despite her achievements, Okonjo-Iweala has faced criticism for the WTO’s uneven progress, with some questioning its relevance in addressing modern trade complexities.
A Trailblazing Career
Born in 1954 in Delta State, Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala’s journey to global prominence began with her education at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she earned a doctorate in development economics.
She built a 25-year career at the World Bank, rising to managing director and narrowly missing the presidency in 2012.
Her political career in Nigeria included two stints as finance minister, where she championed anti-corruption reforms, and a brief tenure as foreign minister.
Despite criticism over the persistence of corruption during her tenure, she remained a respected figure in governance and development circles.
Okonjo-Iweala’s global influence expanded through roles on the boards of Standard Chartered Bank, Twitter, and the Rockefeller Foundation, as well as her leadership of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Challenges Ahead
Okonjo-Iweala’s second term will require navigating the WTO through complex geopolitical tensions, trade wars, and the climate crisis.
Her agenda includes strengthening the intersection of trade and environmental sustainability, a priority she has championed.
Her ability to unite member states will be tested as the WTO continues to face criticism for its decision-making processes and struggles to address global trade inequalities.
Personal Commitment and Global Impact
Supported by her family, including her husband, neurosurgeon Ikemba Iweala, and their four children, Okonjo-Iweala has often credited her loved ones for providing balance amid her demanding career.
As she begins preparations for her second term, the world will watch closely to see how she leverages her expertise, resilience, and “sheer force of personality” to guide the WTO into a more inclusive and dynamic future.
