Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s prominent former finance minister, is set to continue as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second term, as no other candidates emerged by the nomination deadline. The WTO confirmed her reappointment on Saturday, with a statement reading, “Nominations for Director-General closed; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala confirmed as sole candidate.”

Chair of the WTO General Council, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, announced that members were informed on November 9 that Okonjo-Iweala would remain unopposed. In a letter dated September 16, she had expressed her readiness to continue in the role, extending her leadership until August 31, 2029.

Okonjo-Iweala made history with her appointment in February 2021, becoming the first African and female head of the WTO. During her initial term, she focused on advancing key issues, such as fishery subsidy negotiations and reforming the WTO’s Appellate Body.  Her trajectory continues to inspire in Nigeria, where she previously served twice as finance minister and briefly as foreign minister. Despite early doubts over her trade negotiation experience, Okonjo-Iweala has built a legacy as a reform-driven leader at the WTO.