Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has officially declared her intention to run for a second term. The former Nigerian finance minister announced her candidacy on Monday, September 16, stating that she is committed to addressing the “unfinished business” from her first term in office.
Okonjo-Iweala, who became the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO in 2021, has a term set to expire on August 31, 2025. With this early bid, many speculate that she aims to secure her position ahead of the U.S. presidential elections in November 2024, which could potentially impact the outcome of her reappointment.
At 70, Okonjo-Iweala continues to break barriers in the international arena. During her first term, she navigated significant challenges in global trade, including supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing tensions between major economies. In an interview with Reuters, she expressed her determination to build on the work that began during her tenure, focusing on reforms within the WTO and fostering cooperation among member nations.
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The selection process for the WTO director-general is typically driven by consensus among its 165 members. However, some members, particularly influential countries like the United States, play a pivotal role in the final decision. Okonjo-Iweala’s initial appointment faced temporary opposition from the Trump administration in 2021, but her candidacy gained momentum after Joe Biden’s election, leading to her confirmation.
In a show of support, African nations within the WTO endorsed Okonjo-Iweala for a second term in July 2023, signaling strong backing from her home continent. As the WTO continues to oversee and enforce global trade rules, Okonjo-Iweala’s re-election would allow her to continue steering the organization through evolving trade dynamics and economic recovery efforts.
Her bid for a second term is poised to test the unity of the WTO’s member states and the influence of major global powers as the race for the next director-general heats up.
