Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and African to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO), will pursue a second four-year term when her current mandate ends in August 2025, her spokesperson confirmed.
“We can confirm that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has officially announced her intention to seek a second term as Director-General of the WTO,” said spokesman Ismaila Dieng in a statement.
Dieng mentioned that the 70-year-old leader had considered “the overwhelming and broad-based support expressed by members” in making her decision.
Her current term at the head of the 166-member organization will conclude in August 2025. Okonjo-Iweala formally communicated her decision to seek re-election to the WTO chair, Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg, on Monday.
During the same meeting, the WTO’s African Group urged her to remain available for a second term and called for the renomination process to begin swiftly. So far, no other candidates have come forward.
Okonjo-Iweala, who assumed the role in March 2021, has been known for her efforts to rejuvenate the organization. The former foreign and finance minister of Nigeria is recognized for her ability to “bang heads together and get business done.”
