Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Sets for a Second Term at the WTO Unopposed

At 70, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the trailblazing woman who became the first African and female leader of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), is set for a second term as Director-General. Her candidacy faces no opposition, as confirmed by Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg, the WTO chair, who noted that no other nominations were received by the deadline.

Okonjo-Iweala, who declared her intention to serve another term in September, began her first term in March 2021, with her current tenure ending in August 2025.

The selection of the Director-General is made through consensus among the WTO's 166 member countries, a process she skillfully maneuvered despite early resistance. During her initial term, former U.S. President Donald Trump supported a South Korean candidate, opposing her nomination. However, this opposition was withdrawn when President Joe Biden assumed office, enabling her historic appointment.

Throughout her leadership, Okonjo-Iweala has focused on revitalizing the WTO, an organization frequently criticized for bureaucratic inefficiencies and stagnation.