Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been unanimously reappointed for a second term as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the first woman to hold the position. The WTO confirmed the decision on Friday through its official X (formerly Twitter) account. Her new term will begin on September 1, 2025, following the conclusion of her current tenure in August 2025.
The reappointment, agreed upon by the WTO’s 166 member states during a General Council session, reflects strong global confidence in Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership. The process, initially expected to take months, was expedited as she was the sole nominee and received broad support, especially from African nations. This ensures continuity as the WTO prepares for its next ministerial conference in Cameroon in 2026.
In response, the 70-year-old Nigerian economist expressed deep gratitude, calling her reappointment a “privilege.” She reaffirmed her commitment to using trade as a tool for economic growth and addressing global challenges through inclusive, rules-based multilateralism. “I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world,” she stated.
Since assuming office in March 2021, Okonjo-Iweala has championed reforms aimed at making the WTO more inclusive and effective. Prior to her leadership at the WTO, she served twice as Nigeria’s finance minister (2003–2006, 2011–2015) and briefly as the first female foreign affairs minister in 2006. Her reappointment underscores the international community’s trust in her leadership and her dedication to advancing equitable global economic development.
