Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is set to be reappointed as the World Trade Organization’s director-general, with unanimous backing anticipated from its 166 member nations. Her reappointment, accelerated to avoid disruptions under a potential Trump administration, is seen as crucial for maintaining global trade stability amidst rising tensions and challenges. Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership will focus on addressing trade rule enforcement and navigating complex issues like climate change and national security measures.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Prepares for Second Term at WTO
Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is poised to be reappointed for a second term as the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) this Friday. This decision comes just weeks ahead of Donald Trump’s anticipated return to power, during which he has openly challenged international trade norms.
As the first female and first African director-general of the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala stands as the only candidate for the position. It is expected that she will receive unanimous support from the 166 WTO member countries in a private meeting at the organization’s Geneva headquarters.
The Urgency Behind Her Reappointment
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the support for Okonjo-Iweala isn’t only due to her popularity; rather, there is a palpable concern among members that failing to reappoint her could lead to delays and disruptions under the Trump administration. The consensus-based appointment process traditionally allows for significant influence from member states, which Trump previously leveraged to block her initial candidacy in 2020, leaving the WTO leaderless for several months.
Her current term concludes in August 2025, but the reappointment process has been accelerated, as requested by African nations. This expedited timeline is intended to streamline preparations for the next WTO ministerial conference, set to take place in Cameroon in 2026.
Former WTO spokesperson Keith Rockwell notes that the urgency stems from a desire to avoid a repeat of the 2020 scenario, where Trump’s team could potentially obstruct the process. This situation inevitably heightens tensions between the WTO and the United States, especially considering the incoming president’s aggressive trade policies, which threaten to escalate trade conflicts with countries like China, Canada, and Mexico.
Experts like Elvire Fabry from the Jacques Delors European Institute warn that the anticipated tariff increases signal a disregard for established trade rules. Okonjo-Iweala’s role will be crucial as she navigates this complex landscape, striving to maintain stability within the WTO.
Navigating Challenges Ahead
Her mission will focus on “saving what can be saved” in the current global trade environment, which has seen a decline in the enforcement of WTO regulations. The challenges are compounded as governments increasingly resort to trade measures tied to national security and environmental concerns, often ignoring the principles of WTO agreements.
As the WTO grapples with internal pressures for reform, Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership will be pivotal. She has already attempted to revitalize the organization by addressing pressing issues like climate change and health, securing a significant agreement to eliminate harmful fishing subsidies. However, the ongoing impasse regarding the appellate body of the dispute resolution system—thanks to the previous administration’s actions—remains a significant hurdle for the WTO’s future.