WTO Reappoints Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a Second Term

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has confirmed the reappointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second four-year term.

This decision, announced on Friday in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlights the global confidence in her leadership and vision for the multilateral trading system.

According to the WTO’s General Council, the reappointment will take effect from 1 September 2025, following the conclusion of Okonjo-Iweala’s first term on 31 August 2025.

The Council noted that the decision was reached by consensus, underscoring the widespread recognition of her exceptional performance and strategic foresight.

“The General Council commends Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term. Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organisation.

“Her leadership was instrumental in achieving meaningful outcomes, particularly during the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13),” the statement read.

The reappointment process, initiated on 8 October 2024, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, the Chair of the General Council.

The process adhered strictly to the WTO’s established “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General” (WT/L/509). With no additional nominations submitted by the 8 November 2024 deadline, Okonjo-Iweala emerged as the sole candidate.

During a special General Council meeting held on 28–29 November 2024, Okonjo-Iweala presented her strategic vision for the WTO, highlighting her commitment to addressing pressing global trade challenges and fostering an inclusive, sustainable future for the organisation.

Following her presentation and an interactive session with members, her reappointment was formally endorsed.

Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO, has been widely lauded for her efforts to revitalise the organisation.

Her tenure has seen significant reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening global trade governance, with notable achievements at major Ministerial Conferences.

As she prepares for her second term, Okonjo-Iweala remains poised to guide the WTO through an evolving global trade landscape in the face of emerging challenges.

Her reappointment reaffirms her pivotal role in shaping the future of the organisation and its 164 member states.