The General Council of the World Trade Organisation has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as Director-General.
Her new four-year term will begin on September 1, 2025.
In a statement released by the organisation on Friday, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her appreciation to the WTO’s 166 member countries for their ongoing trust and support.
“I am truly honored by the confidence placed in me by the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to serve as Director-General for another four years,” she stated.
Looking back on her first term, the former Nigerian finance minister highlighted the WTO’s vital role in tackling global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions.
She noted, “In recent years, the WTO has been instrumental in assisting Members with significant global challenges, including the pandemic, conflicts, and increased geopolitical tensions. I commend Members for their dedication and resilience in achieving progress amid unprecedented uncertainty and rapid economic changes.”
Okonjo-Iweala committed to continuing her advocacy for trade as a catalyst for economic growth and resilience, while strengthening the multilateral trading system.
“As we move forward, I remain dedicated to achieving results that truly matter—results that will enhance the lives of people globally. By promoting trade as a key driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to serve as a collaborative platform for Members to tackle shared global challenges.
“I am deeply committed to collaborating with the talented and dedicated staff at the WTO to create a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits everyone,” the statement said.
Okonjo-Iweala made history in 2021 as the first woman and the first African to head the WTO.
