The World Trade Organization has endorsed a proposal from the African Group urging Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to seek a second four-year term. The WTO made this announcement in a statement released on its website on Monday, July 2024.
During a meeting of the WTO General Council on July 22, the statement revealed, that these 58 members voiced their backing for the African Group’s call for an expedited start to the Director-General selection process and encouraged Okonjo-Iweala to be available for a second term.
“The 58 WTO members spoke in favor of the African Group’s proposal for an early commencement of the Director-General selection process and urged the incumbent, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to consider a second term,” the statement highlighted.
The release further identified the 58 members, which included representatives from various groups, who articulated their support for the African Group’s initiative. Many praised Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership and accomplishments during her current tenure.
Responding to the overwhelming support, Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude, emphasizing, “Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together.” She acknowledged the members’ call for her to seek reappointment and indicated her positive inclination, promising to communicate her decision soon.
Petter Ølberg, Chair of the WTO General Council, acknowledged the unanimous and robust backing for both Okonjo-Iweala’s availability for a second term and the immediate commencement of the reappointment process. He assured ongoing engagement with delegations in the days ahead.
Previously reported by Nairametrics, the African Group, comprising 44 member countries of the WTO and nine observers, had formally urged Okonjo-Iweala to consider a second term. This request highlighted the group’s belief in the benefits of initiating the reappointment process early.
Okonjo-Iweala, who assumed office as the WTO’s seventh Director-General on March 1, 2021, holds the distinction of being the first woman and the first African to lead the organization. Her current term is set to conclude on August 31, 2025.
A renowned global finance expert and economist, Okonjo-Iweala has amassed over four decades of experience across multiple continents. She previously served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister on two occasions and briefly as Foreign Minister, marking significant milestones in her career.
