The World Trade Organization (WTO) has re-elected Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as Director-General of the organization. She is the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO. At 70 years old, Okonjo-Iweala announced her intention to seek a second term in September.
Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, the chair of the General Council, informed WTO members that no other nominations were received before the deadline on November 8. Her current term, which began in March 2021, is set to end in August 2025.
Confirming her re-election, the WTO shared a brief post on its verified X page, stating, “Breaking: the General Council has appointed Director-General @NOIweala for a second term, effective September 1, 2025. More details to follow.”
The appointment of the Director-General is made by consensus among the WTO’s 166 member countries, a process that Okonjo-Iweala successfully navigated. Her leadership has been crucial in advancing a reform agenda for the WTO.