The trailblazing leader, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former finance minister, has officially been confirmed for a second term as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The announcement, made by the WTO on November 12, solidifies her position as the sole candidate for the role. Dr Okonjo-Iweala expressed her commitment to continue leading the organization, an offer she initially confirmed in a letter dated September 16.

In his briefing to WTO members on November 9, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council, noted that no additional nominations were received by the November 8 deadline, leaving Okonjo-Iweala as the uncontested candidate. The formal process to appoint the next director-general began on October 8, allowing member states a month to submit nominations.

Okonjo-Iweala first took office on February 15, 2021, marking a historic achievement as both the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO. Her impressive career includes two terms as Nigeria’s finance minister, serving from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2011 to 2015. Known globally for her dedication to economic development and trade policy, she now embarks on a second term, poised to continue her leadership in global trade.

Unopposed, Undisputed what an excellent beacon of leadership..