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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala announces bid for second term as WTO chief

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and female Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), intends to seek a second four-year term.

Her current tenure, which began in March 2021, will expire in August 2025.

Okonjo-Iweala’s spokesman, Ismaila Dieng, confirmed her reappointment bid in a statement released on Monday.

“We can confirm that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has officially announced her intention to seek a second term,” Dieng said.

He added that her decision was influenced by “the overwhelming and broad-based support expressed by members.”

The 70-year-old economist formally communicated her decision to WTO chair, Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg, during a meeting on Monday.

At the same session, the WTO’s African Group requested that Okonjo-Iweala be made available for a second term and proposed that the re-nomination process commence promptly.

Known for her reformist approach, Okonjo-Iweala has focused on revitalising the 166-member organisation.

Since assuming office, she has been credited with pushing for more efficiency and cooperation among WTO members in a bid to tackle global trade challenges.

As of now, no other candidates have announced their intention to run for the position.