WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Announces Bid For Second Term

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has announced her intention to seek a second four-year term as head of the organization.  In an interview with Reuters on Monday, she expressed her desire to complete “unfinished business” from her first term. Okonjo-Iweala, who previously served as Nigeria’s finance minister, made history when she assumed office in March 2021 as the WTO’s first female and African leader. Her current term is set to end on August 31, 2025.

“I want to be part of this next chapter of the WTO’s story, and I’m ready to compete for the position,” Okonjo-Iweala stated, referencing a letter she intends to send to the WTO’s primary decision-making body.

Looking ahead to a potential second term, she emphasized her commitment to focusing on delivering results, with her priorities including the completion of a deal to end fisheries subsidies, achieving progress in global agricultural negotiations, reforming the WTO’s dispute resolution system, and advancing trade decarbonization.

Okonjo-Iweala has until the end of November to officially decide whether she will reapply for the position.