Former Nigerian Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has announced her intention to pursue a second term as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). In a recent interview, she revealed plans to build on the progress made during her first term, expressing a desire to complete “unfinished business.”
Okonjo-Iweala, who made history as the WTO’s first female and African leader in 2021, highlighted her focus on key priorities, including finalizing a deal to end fisheries subsidies, advancing global agricultural negotiations, and reforming the WTO’s dispute settlement system. At 70, she is eager to continue addressing global trade challenges, including efforts to decarbonize international trade.
While she officially has until November to apply, there has been an Africa-led movement to start the process early, partly to secure her second term before the U.S. elections. If no other candidates come forward and consensus is reached, her reappointment could be confirmed without opposition.
