Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), has officially been reappointed for a second term as Director-General.
Her new tenure will begin on September 1, 2025, after her current term concludes in August 2025.
Okonjo-Iweala, 70, had expressed her intention to seek re-election in September, and WTO General Council Chair Ambassador Petter Ølberg confirmed that no other candidates were nominated by the November 8 deadline. The announcement of her reappointment was made on Friday, November 29, via the WTO’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account, which posted:
“Breaking: the General Council has appointed Director-General @NOIweala for a second term, effective 1 September 2025. More details to follow.”
https://x.com/wto/status/1862449192888934443?t=X2fPXUQ_fvGVdPfuRLoseg&s=19
The WTO’s 164 member countries reached a consensus to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala, reaffirming her leadership and reform agenda, which has been pivotal since her first appointment in March 2021. She overcame significant opposition at the start of her term, notably from the Trump administration, which later shifted under President Biden to support her historic leadership.
During her first term, Okonjo-Iweala prioritized reforms to modernize the WTO, enhance its dispute resolution system, and adapt trade policies to address global challenges such as climate change and the digital economy. Her efforts have been widely acknowledged as transformative during a critical period for global trade.
Her re-election solidifies her influence and offers a continued opportunity to shape the future of the WTO. This achievement further cements her legacy as a trailblazing global leader, inspiring many across Africa and the world.
