Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed As WTO DG

Okonjo-Iweala, who became the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO, was initially appointed on February 15, 2021.

She was the only candidate for the role, making her reappointment almost certain.

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The WTO’s 166 member countries reached a consensus to extend her leadership during a special General Council meeting, which was held behind closed doors.

At 70 years old, Okonjo-Iweala has worked to revitalize the WTO, emphasizing key global issues such as climate change and public health. Following the announcement, she expressed her gratitude, calling the reappointment an “honor” and a “privilege.”

Originally, the appointment process for her second term was expected to take months. However, African nations called for it to be expedited, to better prepare for the WTO’s upcoming ministerial conference in Cameroon in 2026.

“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 a statement on the organisation’s website.