The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced the reappointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its director-general for a second term. The historic figure, who is both the first woman and the first African to lead the global trade body, secured her position unopposed during a special closed-door session of the General Council on Friday. Her new term will extend until August 2029.
According to a WTO statement, its 164 members reached a consensus on her reappointment, with African nations strongly advocating for an expedited process. This move was reportedly influenced by fears of potential obstruction from a future Donald Trump administration, as seen during her initial appointment in 2020.
Keith Rockwell, a senior research fellow at the Hinrich Foundation, noted, “They wanted to avoid a situation where Trump’s team could veto her reappointment, as happened four years ago.” Back then, the Trump administration delayed her appointment for months, forcing her to assume office only after President Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership comes at a critical time for the WTO. The organization faces increasing pressure to reform, particularly regarding its dispute settlement system, which was paralyzed under Trump’s first term due to Washington’s refusal to appoint appellate judges. Additionally, growing protectionism and unilateral trade measures by various nations have weakened the implementation of WTO rules.
Former WTO spokesperson Rockwell acknowledged broader challenges beyond the United States, emphasizing that many nations are sidestepping WTO commitments. Similarly, Dmitry Grozoubinski, trade expert and author, pointed out that governments are increasingly using trade restrictions to address domestic concerns like national security and climate change, further straining the WTO’s relevance.
Okonjo-Iweala has sought to modernize the organization by prioritizing issues such as climate change, global health, and economic inclusivity. Despite these efforts, analysts warn that her next term will be fraught with uncertainty, particularly as tensions between the WTO and the U.S. remain unresolved. Some fear that a possible Trump return to the White House could lead to heightened trade conflicts and further challenges for the WTO’s survival.
Elvire Fabry, a researcher at the Institut Jacques Delors, stressed that Okonjo-Iweala’s role will be pivotal in maintaining global trade stability. “The WTO chief will need to act as a firefighter, trying to preserve what remains and demonstrate the value of multilateral trade rules,” she said.
