The World Trade Organization has officially confirmed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the sole candidate for the position of Director-General for a second term.
The organization announced this development on Saturday, following Okonjo-Iweala’s confirmation of her willingness to serve another four-year term on September 16.
Her reappointment signals continued leadership under her guidance, having taken the helm of the WTO in 2021.
The WTO initiated the process for appointing its next director-general on October 8, setting a deadline of November 8 for member countries to submit nominations.
According to a message from the chair of the WTO’s General Council, Petter Olberg, no additional nominations were received by the November 8 deadline, confirming that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala remains the sole candidate for the position.
“Under the procedures for the appointment of Directors-General (WT/L/509), I am required to communicate to Members a consolidated list of candidatures received for the post of Director-General immediately after the close of the nomination period, in this case 8 November 2024,” the statement reads.
“I would like to advise members that at the end of the nomination period the only candidacy received for this post is from Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the incumbent director-general.
“The notification received from Dr Okonjo-Iweala pursuant to paragraph 12 of the Procedures in WT/L/509, was circulated to all Members together with my communication in document JOB/GC/406, dated 16 September 2024.”
The WTO also noted that the chair of the General Council, Petter Olberg, would soon communicate the next steps in the appointment process.
Given that no additional nominations were received by the November 8 deadline, it is expected that Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment will proceed smoothly.
The WTO confirmed that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s current term as Director-General will conclude on August 31, 2025.
She was appointed to the position on February 15, 2021, making history as both the first woman and the first African to lead the organization.
Her groundbreaking appointment marked a significant moment for the WTO, and her potential second term will continue to build on her legacy of leadership at the helm of global trade.
