Kehinde Fajobi
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), stands unopposed for a second term.
This is according to the organisation’s General Council chair, Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg, who made the announcement on Saturday.
Olberg informed WTO members that “no further nominations for the position” were submitted by Friday’s deadline, officially confirming Okonjo-Iweala as the only candidate.
Okonjo-Iweala’s current term, which began in March 2021, is set to conclude in August 2025.
She formally announced her intention to pursue another term in September, with a commitment to intensify her efforts to revitalise the WTO, which she has led with a reputation for decisive and results-driven leadership.
The former Nigerian finance and foreign minister initially faced opposition to her candidacy.
Although she enjoyed broad international support, her appointment was blocked by then-U.S. President Donald Trump, who backed a South Korean candidate.
The decision was later reversed when President Joe Biden took office, allowing her historic leadership to begin.
Throughout her tenure, Okonjo-Iweala has prioritised “banging heads together and getting business done” to address the WTO’s long-standing challenges and bolster its 166-member organisation.
If her appointment is confirmed by consensus, she will continue her efforts to strengthen the multilateral trade system in her second term.