Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been unanimously reappointed for a second four-year term as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the global trade body confirmed on Friday. Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and first woman to head the WTO, will continue in her role from March 2025, overseeing the organization’s efforts to address global trade challenges and promote multilateral cooperation.
Sources within the WTO indicated that Okonjo-Iweala’s early reappointment, which comes well ahead of the end of her current term in 2025, may be seen as a strategic move to avoid potential political complications, particularly with the incoming U.S. administration. Some trade observers speculated that her reappointment was intended to preempt any attempt by the incoming U.S. President, Donald Trump, to block her leadership, a move that had occurred during Trump’s first term. However, the WTO has dismissed these claims, stating that the decision was purely based on Okonjo-Iweala’s performance and leadership.
In 2020, Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment was delayed by opposition from the Trump administration, which initially opposed her candidacy. However, she finally secured U.S. backing after President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. The United States, historically a key player in the WTO, had long been critical of the organization, with Trump himself expressing dissatisfaction with the WTO’s role in mediating global trade disputes.
Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment also comes at a time of increasing uncertainty in global trade relations. Trump, who is set to return to office in January 2025, has previously threatened to impose high tariffs on goods from key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China. Such measures could strain trade relations further, particularly if they violate existing U.S. trade commitments and lead to heightened tensions with both allies and adversaries.
Despite these challenges, Okonjo-Iweala expressed confidence in the WTO’s ability to adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics. “We look forward to working with the new U.S. administration, and we are committed to taking a constructive and creative approach to resolving the world’s trade issues,” she said in a statement. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized her commitment to achieving results that improve the global economy and ultimately benefit people around the world, particularly through efforts to address inequality and promote sustainable growth.
During her first term as Director-General, Okonjo-Iweala played a central role in navigating the WTO through the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and in facilitating discussions on trade reforms. Her leadership has been widely praised for prioritizing multilateralism and strengthening the organization’s role in addressing global challenges.
