Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), is on the path to secure a second term without any opposition. As of Friday’s deadline, no other candidates were nominated, positioning Okonjo-Iweala as the sole contender for the role.
According to a statement from Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg, who serves as the chair of the WTO General Council, “no further nominations for the position” were submitted by the cutoff. This effectively solidifies Okonjo-Iweala’s standing as the only candidate, paving the way for her anticipated reappointment.
Okonjo-Iweala initially announced her decision to pursue a second term in September, expressing her ongoing commitment to addressing global trade challenges. Her leadership in the WTO has been noted for navigating complex trade issues, particularly during a time marked by supply chain disruptions, economic slowdowns, and heightened trade tensions among major economies.
Her current term, which began in March 2021, will officially end in August 2025. If re-elected, Okonjo-Iweala will continue to lead the organization’s efforts to promote fair and open trade policies worldwide.
