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WTO boss Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala given second term

Peter 29th Nov, 2024 Trade Business Edge Reporter
WTO boss Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala given second term

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said it's a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term.


The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed by consensus to reappoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term.

This decision reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO, said a November 29 statement from the UN trade body.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as Director-General in March 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO. Her first term concludes at the end of August next year

  • The WTO said the reappointment process was the result of the fact that there were no additional nominations submitted by the 8 November deadline, meaning that 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,” the statement said.

It added that during a special General Council meeting, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO. Following her presentation and the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.

  • "As we look ahead, the Council fully supports Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive, and results-driven. Her leadership will be critical as the organization continues to advance a resilient, rules-based, and equitable global trading system," the statement added.

Whereas her new term is set to begin on September 1, 2025, observers said the quick decision to reappoint her was prompted by the re-election of President Donald Trump whose term starts on January 20.

They said the common practice of appointing the DG by consensus made it possible for Trump to block Okonjo-Iweala's appointment for months in his first term, forcing her to wait to take the reins until after President Joe Biden entered the White House in early 2021.

Describing her reappointment as an honour, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala pledged her commitment to work alongside the staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable and rules-based multilateral trading system.

“I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term.

  • “In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping Members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions.
  • “As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world.

“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.”

However, analysts expect the road ahead for the three-decade-old WTO will be challenging and most likely characterised by trade wars, with Trump, who returns to the White House, threatening hefty tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China.

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