WTO Chief Ngozi Seeks Second Term, Vows to Tackle ‘Unfinished Business’

World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has announced her intention to seek re-election for a second four-year term.

Okonjo-Iweala, the first female and African head of the WTO, hopes to build on her accomplishments and complete “unfinished business” from her initial mandate during an exclusive interview with Reuters.

With her current term set to expire on August 31, 2025, Okonjo-Iweala disclosed her desire to continue leading the organization.

She said:

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“I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story, and I stand ready to compete for the position.”

READ ALSO: The Rise of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to Prominence

She plans to focus on delivering results in her second term, prioritizing key areas such as finalizing a deal on ending fisheries subsidies, achieving a breakthrough in global agriculture negotiations, reforming the WTO’s struggling dispute system, and decarbonizing trade.

Although she has until November to make a final decision, Okonjo-Iweala’s early announcement is seen as a strategic move to secure her second term ahead of the US presidential election.

Under WTO consensus rules, her re-election is possible if no other candidates come forward and all member states support her.

When asked about the potential impact of a Trump re-election on her and the WTO’s success, Okonjo-Iweala remained diplomatic, saying, “I don’t focus on that because I have no control.”