Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has announced her intention to pursue a second four-year term in office. The former Nigerian finance minister, who made history in 2021 as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO, is seeking reappointment as her current term draws to a close.
In a statement released on Monday and confirmed by the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala, 70, expressed her desire to continue in her role, emphasizing the need to address “unfinished business” from her first term. Among the priorities she outlined are tackling issues related to fisheries subsidies, advancing global agricultural negotiations, reforming the WTO’s impaired dispute resolution system, and promoting the decarbonization of global trade.
“I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story, and I stand ready to compete for the position. For my second term, I intend to focus on delivering,” Okonjo-Iweala stated.
African Initiative for Early Reappointment
The decision to seek a second term comes as part of an early initiative led by African nations to begin the reappointment process before the official deadline, which is set for the end of November 2024. This effort, which began in July, seeks to solidify her position amid shifting global political dynamics, particularly ahead of the U.S. elections in November.
The early push for Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment is seen by many as a strategic move, especially considering the role the United States plays within the WTO. During her first appointment, Okonjo-Iweala faced opposition from the Trump administration, which had blocked her candidacy. However, with the inauguration of President Joe Biden, she regained U.S. support and was confirmed as Director-General in 2021.
Despite the backing of numerous countries, the final decision on her reappointment will require consensus among all WTO member states. If no other candidates emerge and all members endorse her candidacy, Okonjo-Iweala could be reappointed without facing any challenges.
WTO Under Strain
Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership at the WTO has not been without its challenges. Geopolitical tensions, particularly among the organization’s 166 member states, have made it difficult to achieve significant progress. “It is tough, you know, very tough. There’s no getting away from that. But it’s also a job that makes me want to get out of bed in the morning,” she told Reuters in a recent interview.
Her first term saw notable successes, including the negotiation of a global agreement aimed at reducing fishing subsidies, finalized in 2022. However, the WTO has struggled to maintain momentum on other critical issues, such as a subsequent fishing deal, which has faced opposition from India.
Moreover, the WTO’s ability to enforce compliance among member states has been severely limited due to the 2019 decision by the Trump administration to block appointments to the organization’s highest adjudicative body. This has effectively disabled the WTO’s dispute resolution system, a problem that has persisted under the Biden administration. However, there are ongoing discussions in Washington regarding potential reforms that could restore the organization’s dispute review mechanism.
Looking Ahead
Okonjo-Iweala remains optimistic about the future of the WTO and her role in guiding the organization through these complex global challenges. She noted that with sustained collaboration between member states, particularly in areas like trade reform and dispute resolution, the WTO can continue to serve as a critical platform for global economic cooperation.
With the strong backing of African nations and key international partners, Okonjo-Iweala’s bid for a second term is expected to garner significant support. However, her reappointment will hinge on navigating the intricate web of geopolitical interests that have shaped the organization in recent years.
As the world watches closely, Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership and vision for the future of global trade will be critical in determining the direction of the WTO in the coming years.
