Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed as WTO Director-General for Second Term

In a historic move, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second term. This decision was made possible by the consensus of all 166 WTO members, a testament to Okonjo-Iweala's leadership and vision for the organization.

Okonjo-Iweala expressed her gratitude to the WTO members, acknowledging the enormous responsibility that comes with the role. She pledged to redouble her efforts to work with each member to deliver the results the organization needs, including necessary reforms to make it fit for 21st-century challenges.

During her first term, Okonjo-Iweala played a crucial role in helping members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions. She remains committed to delivering results that matter, promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience.

Okonjo-Iweala's reappointment is a significant milestone, not only for the WTO but also for Africa and women in leadership positions. She made history in 2021 by becoming the first African and first woman to lead the WTO.

The United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai, congratulated Okonjo-Iweala on her reappointment, acknowledging her strong commitment to the work and future of the organization.

Okonjo-Iweala's second term will begin on September 1, 2025, and is expected to build on the progress made during her first term. As she looks ahead, she remains firmly committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.

Okonjo-Iweala wrote on her social media X handle, "Today, it is with humility and a great sense of honour that I thank each and every one of the 166 WTO members for the consensus they achieved in supporting my reappointment! Thank you for the wonderful words of recognition and support. I don’t take this lightly. I also want to thank my colleagues in the Secretariat Staff for their dedication and hard work.

This is an enormous responsibility and I will redouble my efforts to work with each and every member to try and deliver the results this organization needs, including the necessary reforms to make it fit for 21st century challenges. We’ve done it before, we can do it again! I am also grateful to my family, my country, to the Africa Region, and to all my friends and colleagues from all over the world who have reached out with hundreds of congratulatory messages. Thank you for the recognition!"