Nigeria’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is the first woman to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has been officially reappointed for a second term as Director-General of the global trade bloc.
The WTO made the confirmation on Friday via its X (formerly Twitter) account that the “General Council has appointed Director-General @NOIweala for a second term, effective 1 September 2025.”
The WTO confirmed that its 166 member-states unanimously agreed to extend her leadership, a decision finalised in a closed-door session of the WTO’s General Council.
70-year-old Okonjo-Iweala will continue her role beyond the end of her current term in August 2025.
The reappointment reflected a significant consensus among WTO members.
Initially, the process to determine the next term was expected to take several months. However, Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy as the sole nominee, coupled with strong backing from African nations, accelerated the process.
The swift move aims to ensure adequate preparation for the WTO’s upcoming ministerial conference in Cameroon, scheduled for 2026.
Following her reappointment, Okonjo-Iweala reacted immediately, saying she was “honoured” and counted the move as a “privilege”.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term,” she said in a statement on the organisation’s website.
“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges.
“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all,” the former Nigerian finance chief said.
Okonjo-Iweala twice served as Nigeria’s finance minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and its first female foreign affairs minister in a two-month stint in 2006.
Her first term began in March 2021, and her second term is set to start on 1 September 2025.
Okonjo-Iweala’s tenure has been marked by a focused drive for reform within the WTO, a mission she has ardently pursued since her first appointment.
Despite early obstacles, she successfully navigated the consensus-based appointment process involving all 166 member countries. Her reappointment is a testament to the global confidence in her leadership and her vision to address the challenges confronting international trade.
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