Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the seventh Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), announced her candidacy for a second term on Monday, Sept. 16.
The former Nigerian finance minister expressed her desire to address “unfinished business” from her initial term, which is set to expire on Aug. 31, 2025. In an interview, she emphasized her commitment to the organization’s goals.
At 70, Okonjo-Iweala made history in March 2021 by becoming the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO. Analysts suggest her early announcement may be strategically timed ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential elections in November.
Traditionally, the WTO selects its director-general by consensus, requiring approval from all 165 member nations. However, certain members have significant sway in the final decision. In 2021, the nomination of Okonjo-Iweala was temporarily blocked by the Trump administration before she secured the position following Joe Biden’s election.
Last July, African nations at the WTO formally proposed her name for a second term. The WTO is responsible for overseeing the global system of trade rules.
