Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and first woman to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), is poised to secure a second term unopposed. On Saturday, Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg, the WTO chair, confirmed that no other nominations had been submitted by Friday’s deadline, leaving Okonjo-Iweala as the sole candidate for the post.
Okonjo-Iweala, 70, who began her tenure in March 2021, announced her intention to pursue a second term in September. Her current mandate will end in August 2025. Known for her strong leadership and strategic acumen, she has revitalized the 166-member organization with a focus on driving consensus and action.
Despite initial resistance to her candidacy from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who favored a South Korean contender, she eventually took office with broad international support following President Joe Biden’s endorsement.
The former Nigerian finance and foreign minister has successfully positioned herself as an effective mediator capable of reinvigorating the WTO and fostering collaboration in a fractured global trade landscape.
