Okonjo-Iweala reappointed WTO director-general

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its director-general for a second term.

In a post on X on Friday, WTO said the reappointment will take effect on September 1, 2025.

In a notice to journalists, the organisation said its members agreed to give Okonjo-Iweala a second term after a general council meeting today.

“Her second four-year term, which was approved at a special General Council meeting, will begin on 1 September 2025,” WTO added.

“DG Okonjo-Iweala took office as Director-General in March 2021 and is the first African and the first woman to serve as head of the organization.”

Okonjo-Iweala had announced her intention to seek another four-year term as the head of the organisation on September 16.

The announcement came more than a month after 58 member countries supported a proposal from the African Group of WTO for her to head the organisation for another term.

The WTO formally began the process of appointing its next director-general on October 8, allowing members until November 8 to submit nominations.

On November 9, the WTO confirmed Okonjo-Iweala as the sole candidate for the position.

In a message to members, Petter Olberg, chair of the WTO’s general council, announced that no additional nominations were received by the deadline.

‘HER LEADERSHIP WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN SECURING MEANINGFUL OUTCOMES’

The WTO, in a statement, said the decision to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for its future.

The organisation added that the selection process was carried out in a fully transparent manner.

“The reappointment process, initiated on 8 October 2024, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council,” the statement reads.

“With no additional nominations submitted by the 8 November deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate.

“The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General” (WT/L/509).

“During a special General Council meeting on 28-29 November 2024, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO.

“Following her presentation and a Q&A session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.”

Olberg commended Okonjo-Iweala’s accomplishments, noting her efforts in enhancing the WTO’s capacity to assist its members amid global economic difficulties.

“The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term,” Olberg said.

“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.”

Speaking on her reappointment, Okonjo-Iweala praised the WTO members for their dedication and perseverance in making progress despite uncertainties and rapid economic changes.

“I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term,” she said.

“In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping Members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions.

“I commend Members for their hard work and determination in achieving progress despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and rapid economic shifts.

“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges.”

Okonjo-Iweala reaffirmed her commitment to working alongside “talented and dedicated staff of the WTO” to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.