By Adedapo Adesanya
The General Council of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed its Director-General, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for a second term, effective September 1, 2025.
On October 8, the WTO formally commenced the process for appointing its next Director-General, with members given until the 8th of November to submit nominations.
She was elected unopposed after no candidates stepped forward for the position of Director-General had emerged by the nomination deadline, other than the incumbent Director-General.
DG Okonjo-Iweala’s current term comes to an end on August 31, 2025.
She first assumed office as Director-General on March 1 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.
Her reappointment comes after a special formal meeting of the General Council which started on Thursday, November 28 and culminated on Friday.
The first day of the General Council meeting saw members hear a presentation from Mrs Okonjo-Iweala on her vision for the WTO, followed by a question-and-answer session.
The second day then provided an opportunity for members to decide on the appointment of the next Director-General, to which they gave the Nigerian former finance minister another four years at the helm of affairs.
Speaking on her achievement, the Chairman of the trade body’s council, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway praised her achievements, stating: “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 organization.
“Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”
“As we look ahead, the Council fully supports Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive, and results-driven. Her leadership will be critical as the organization continues to advance a resilient, rules-based, and equitable global trading system.”