In a unanimous decision, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as its Director-General. The new term, set to begin on September 1, 2025, will extend Okonjo-Iweala’s tenure beyond the conclusion of her current term in August 2025.
The announcement was made on Friday, November 29, through the WTO’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating:
“Breaking: The General Council has appointed Director-General @NOIweala for a second term, effective 1 September 2025. More details to follow.”
This decision comes as a resounding endorsement of Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership. The WTO’s 166 member nations reached consensus during a closed-door session of the General Council, signaling their collective confidence in her ability to steer the organization through complex global trade challenges.
Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first woman and the first African to head the WTO, has earned widespread recognition for her reform-driven agenda. Her reappointment marks a continuation of her commitment to revitalize the organization and address critical issues facing international trade.
Although the selection process for the second term was anticipated to span several months, the absence of other nominees and strong support from African nations expedited the decision. Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, who chairs the General Council, confirmed that no additional nominations were received by the November 8 deadline.
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The accelerated timeline is also seen as a strategic move to prepare for the WTO’s 2026 ministerial conference in Cameroon. Keith Rockwell, a senior research fellow at the Hinrich Foundation, suggested the swift decision was partly driven by a desire to preempt any potential political complications, particularly from the United States.
This concern harks back to 2020, when former U.S. President Donald Trump vetoed Okonjo-Iweala’s initial appointment, delaying her leadership until the Biden administration endorsed her in 2021.
Since assuming office, Okonjo-Iweala has prioritized institutional reform within the WTO, advocating for greater inclusivity and efficiency in addressing global trade challenges. Despite early hurdles, including navigating the organization’s consensus-based appointment process, she has successfully pushed for progress on key trade issues.
As she prepares for her second term, Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment reflects a global consensus on her leadership. With her focus on modernizing the WTO, her next chapter promises to build on her efforts to foster equitable and sustainable international trade practices.
Okonjo-Iweala’s continued leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global trade, reinforcing the WTO’s relevance in a rapidly evolving economic landscape
