The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Council on November 29 announced the early reappointment, by consensus, of its director-general, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to a second four-year term, which begins on September 1, 2025.

In its announcement, the WTO Council noted: “This decision reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.”

The announcement further noted that Okonjo-Iweala “first assumed office as WTO director-general on March 1, 2021, thereby becoming the first woman and African to lead the WTO. Her first term concludes on 31 August 2025. Her reappointment highlights the strong support for her efforts to enhance the WTO’s relevance and capacity in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade.”

The reappointment process, initiated on October 8, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, chairperson of the WTO General Council. With no other nomination submitted by the November 8 deadline, Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate. The process was conducted in a fully open and transparently manner and adhered to the WTO’s procedures for the appointment of directors-general.

During a special WTO General Council meeting on November 28 to 29, Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO. Following her presentation and a question- and-answer session with members, the WTO Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.

Ølberg praised Okonjo-Iweala’s achievements: “The General Council commends Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term. Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members. She set a forward-looking agenda for the organisation. Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the twelfth and thirteenth Ministerial conferences, where major milestones were achieved.

“As we look ahead, the council fully supports Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive and results driven. Her leadership will be critical, as the organisation continues to advance a resilient, rules-based and equitable global trading system.”

Responding, Okonjo-Iweala said: “I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 members. It is a privilege to continue serving as director-general for a second four-year term. In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict and heightened geopolitical tensions.

“I commend members for their hard work and determination in achieving progress, despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and rapid economic shifts. As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter – results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world.

“By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for members to address shared global challenges. I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.”

You might have missed the reference to the ‘early reappointment’ in the opening sentence. On July 23, the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade published an article titled ‘Several WTO members back move to expedite the process to give Okonjo-Iweala second term as director-general’. The article read in part: “Bloomberg reporting suggests that the call for an early election could be part of a ploy to hedge against the impact of a potential second Trump Presidency. During his previous term, Trump’s administration supported a different candidate, which slowed Okonjo-Iweala’s selection process. It was only once [outgoing US] President Joe Biden took office in 2021 that she received the White House’s support.”

The article concluded by stating: “Less-open attitudes towards free trade aren’t only a concern for the global economy but can also stymie the functioning of the WTO as a body. Donald Trump’s Presidency ushered in a protectionist era of US trade policy . . . but it also led to a period of disengagement with the WTO. One of the organisation’s key roles is to ensure fair trading terms for all members and to mediate in any disputes between members.”