Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has announced her intention to seek a second four-year term at the helm of the global trade body. Okonjo-Iweala, who has served as the first female and African head of the WTO since March 2021, revealed her plans in an interview with Reuters on Monday. Her current term is set to end on August 31, 2025.
“I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story, and I stand ready to compete for the position,” Okonjo-Iweala stated, indicating her commitment to continue leading the organization. She is preparing to formally express her interest in a letter to the WTO’s main decision-making body.
For her potential second term, Okonjo-Iweala has outlined several key priorities. These include finalizing a deal on ending fisheries subsidies, advancing global agriculture negotiations, reforming the WTO’s dispute resolution system, and promoting trade decarbonization.
Though she officially has until the end of November to submit her application, an early push by African leaders in July—prior to President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race—was perceived as a strategic move to secure her reappointment before the U.S. election.
Under WTO consensus rules, Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment could be straightforward if no other candidates emerge and all member states support her.
In 2020, the Trump administration’s opposition delayed her appointment, reflecting the former President’s critical stance toward the WTO. However, she gained U.S. backing under President Biden’s administration in 2021.
When asked about the potential impact of a possible Trump re-election on her future and the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala responded, “I don’t focus on that because I have no control.”
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