Fifty-eight of the 164 member states of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have endorsed a proposal from the African Group to extend Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s tenure as Director-General for a second term. Okonjo-Iweala, who took office on March 1, 2021, for a four-year term expiring on August 31, 2025, is being encouraged to continue her leadership.
The support was voiced during a WTO General Council meeting on July 22, according to a statement from the trade body. The statement read, “The African Group requests that the current Director-General make herself available to serve a second term, and has proposed that the process of reappointing the Director-General should be started as soon as possible.”
Fifty-eight member countries, including several speaking on behalf of groups, expressed their support for the proposal and urged Okonjo-Iweala to declare her intentions for a second term soon. Many praised her hard work and accomplishments during her first term.
Okonjo-Iweala, 70, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together.” She indicated that she is considering the call seriously and will respond to the members soon regarding her decision.
Okonjo-Iweala made history as the first woman and first African to serve as WTO Director-General. Prior to her current role, she served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and briefly as Foreign Minister, being the first woman to hold both positions.
News Editor 
Hyelsinta Hassan