The African Group has asked the World Trade Organization (WTO) leader, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to serve a second term, said a document shared on Friday. Reuters reported this news.
A letter from Chad highlighted the progress made during her time and the need to move forward before the next big meeting in Cameroon.
The letter mentioned, “The African Group believes it’s best to start the reappointment process early.”
Some WTO members think Okonjo-Iweala might not want another term if Donald Trump, who opposed her appointment, becomes U.S. President again in November.
The African Group is made up of 44 member countries and 9 observers within the WTO. They usually present a united front with a single spokesperson or team.
Challenges to Her Candidacy
Okonjo-Iweala faced opposition from the Trump administration when a WTO panel recommended her for the top position in October. This decision needed everyone’s agreement.
Eventually, South Korea’s trade minister, Yoo Myung-hee, stepped back, clearing the way for Okonjo-Iweala. The Biden administration supported her, shifting away from Trump’s stance.
This decision put the U.S. in line with most of the world.
About Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a finance expert and economist. She has more than 40 years of experience working in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
She served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and briefly as Foreign Minister in 2006, being the first woman to hold both positions.
She is known for her impactful reforms that improved the ministries and government’s performance.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also had a 25-year career at the World Bank, rising to Managing Director of Operations. As a development economist and Nigeria’s Finance Minister, she guided the country through various reforms, tackling economic, trade, financial, and sectoral issues.
As Nigeria’s Finance Minister, she led talks with the Paris Club of Creditors, which resulted in wiping out $30 billion of Nigeria’s debt, including an $18 billion direct cancellation. During her second term, she introduced reforms to boost transparency in government finances and fought against corruption.