The World Trade Organization (WTO) has officially confirmed the reappointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as its Director-General.
The announcement was made by the WTO’s General Council, following a closed-door session held on Friday.
Okonjo-Iweala’s second term will take effect on September 1, 2025, marking another milestone in her historic leadership as the first African and first woman to head the international body.
The decision comes at a time when the WTO faces significant challenges, including rising geopolitical tensions and the increasing threat of protectionism, particularly from the United States.
Okonjo-Iweala, who has steered the WTO through turbulent times during her first term, was the sole candidate for the position, with her reappointment secured through a consensus vote among the WTO’s 166 member states.
A source close to the discussions revealed that the accelerated reappointment process was largely driven by concerns that delaying the decision could leave a leadership vacuum in the organization.
“Members were worried that without a clear leader, Washington might slow things down or block other contenders,” the source said, adding that a leadership void would be unacceptable to the members.
Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment is a testament to her enduring influence, especially given the obstacles she faced during her initial appointment in 2020.
At the time, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration attempted to block her confirmation for months, forcing her to wait until President Joe Biden took office.
Despite these challenges, Okonjo-Iweala has used her position to push for reforms within the WTO, focusing on issues such as climate change and global health.
The 70-year-old Nigerian economist’s leadership has been pivotal in revitalizing the WTO’s efforts to address the growing complexity of global trade.
However, her second term comes with even greater challenges, particularly the need for reform of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, which has been paralyzed due to U.S. opposition.
Keith Rockwell, a senior research fellow at the Hinrich Foundation, emphasized the significance of a swift reappointment process.
“The unstated objective was to accelerate the process because African countries did not want a repeat of the delays that plagued Okonjo-Iweala’s initial appointment,” he explained.
While Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment has been largely supported, the WTO’s role in the global economy is under scrutiny. Governments are increasingly bypassing WTO rules, turning to unilateral trade measures in response to issues such as national security, environmental concerns, and economic protectionism.
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“Governments are no longer as compelled by arguments that violate the letter or spirit of WTO commitments,” said Dmitry Grozoubinski, author of Why Politicians Lie About Trade.
Despite these challenges, Okonjo-Iweala remains steadfast in her commitment to the organization’s mission.
Her leadership is expected to continue shaping global trade negotiations, especially with the WTO’s upcoming ministerial conference scheduled to take place in Cameroon in 2026.
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