Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), has announced her intention to seek a second four-year term as Director-General when her current mandate expires next August.
The announcement was made by her spokesman, Ismaila Dieng, on Monday.
“We can confirm that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has officially announced her intention to seek a second term as Director-General of the WTO,” Dieng stated.
He noted that the 70-year-old has considered the “overwhelming and broad-based support expressed by members” in making her decision.
Okonjo-Iweala, whose current term at the WTO’s helm ends in August 2025, formally communicated her decision to seek reappointment to WTO chair Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg.
During the same meeting, the WTO’s African Group requested her availability for a second term and proposed that the re-nomination process commence as soon as possible.
As of now, no other candidates have announced their intention to run for the position. Okonjo-Iweala, who began her term in March 2021, has focused her leadership on revitalizing the organization and has been recognized for her efforts in advancing its objectives.
The former Nigerian foreign and finance minister has positioned herself as a reformer capable of driving change and facilitating progress within the WTO.
