Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s pride and a trailblazer for Africa, has secured a second term as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Yes, she’s made history again, but is the WTO ready to be fixed, or are we just applauding another ceremonial role in a struggling global system?
Her reappointment, announced during a closed-door meeting of the WTO’s General Council, wasn’t exactly shocking. With no competition, Okonjo-Iweala was essentially handed her second term, which will officially begin after her current tenure ends on August 31, 2025. The 70-year-old leader’s approval was wrapped in diplomatic politeness, with the WTO’s 166 members expressing their “trust and support.” But is this unanimous cheer enough to revitalize an organisation that has been limping for years?
Okonjo-Iweala’s first election as WTO boss on February 15, 2021, was definitely exciting she became the first woman and the first African to lead the organisation.
But two years later, her leadership is now at the center of debates about the relevance of the WTO itself. While she’s been praised for pushing the organisation to address issues like climate change and health, some persons argue that the WTO remains toothless when it comes to tackling global trade inequalities and protecting the interests of developing nations.
The reappointment process, which should have dragged on for months, was hastened after African nations rallied behind Okonjo-Iweala. Their justification? Speeding things up would allow her to prepare for the WTO’s next big event, a ministerial conference in Cameroon in 2026. Now to my question? Why did no one else run?
Following the announcement, a jubilant Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude and pledged to continue delivering meaningful results. “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. She promised to promote trade as a tool for economic growth and resilience, emphasizing inclusivity and fairness in global trade rules.
Her impressive resume includes serving twice as Nigeria’s finance minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and briefly as foreign minister. While her diplomatic and economic credentials are unquestionable, many wonder if her talents are being wasted in a system that resists change at every turn.
