Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed as WTO Chief

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second term. WTO members unanimously approved her reappointment during a General Council meeting on November 29. Her new term begins on September 1, 2025, extending her leadership until mid-2029.

Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and the first woman to lead the WTO, has been praised for her work on global trade reform. During her first term, she addressed harmful subsidies in the fisheries industry and advocated for trade policies that support developing nations. Her leadership also focused on building consensus among WTO members to tackle pressing issues in international trade.

Her reappointment comes as Donald Trump prepares to return to the U.S. presidency. Trump’s trade policies have previously challenged the WTO’s authority, including threats to impose tariffs and withdraw U.S. participation. Okonjo-Iweala will need to navigate these tensions while fostering collaboration among member nations.

Embed from Getty Images

African countries urged a swift reappointment process, highlighting her role in preparing for the 2026 WTO ministerial conference in Cameroon. Global leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, commended her reappointment as a testament to her leadership and dedication to equitable trade practices.

Okonjo-Iweala’s second term underscores the WTO’s confidence in her ability to lead during a period of uncertainty. She aims to work with all members to uphold trade rules and address challenges in the global economy.