World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed for a second term following a special meeting on Friday. The decision was made unanimously by the WTO’s 166 member countries, marking a milestone in her leadership as the first female and first African head of the organization.
Okonjo-Iweala’s second term will overlap with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration, raising expectations of a turbulent period for the WTO.
Trade analysts predict that Okonjo-Iweala’s tenure will be marked by heightened challenges, particularly trade disputes involving the U.S. and key partners like China, Mexico, and Canada. Trump’s return to the White House on January 20, 2025, and his threat to impose heavy tariffs on goods from these countries could further strain the global trade system.
Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance minister, announced in September that she would seek reappointment to finish “unfinished business.” With no challengers in the race, her reappointment was quickly agreed upon by all WTO members.
Speaking to reporters after the decision, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her determination to move forward on critical issues, such as WTO reforms and negotiations on fishing subsidies. “We have a full agenda to deliver, and we intend to get to work immediately,” she said.
Trade sources noted that the reappointment process was fast-tracked to avoid potential delays, particularly after Trump’s administration initially opposed her candidacy in 2020 and backed a rival candidate. Okonjo-Iweala only secured U.S. support after President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. WTO General Council Chair Petter Ølberg, who is also Norway’s Ambassador, praised the transparency of the process, stating, “We feel that we are really fit for the next four years.”
Despite challenges, there have been limited advancements in WTO negotiations under both the Trump and Biden administrations. In 2022, a few deals were struck in Geneva, but efforts to reform the WTO’s dispute settlement system have largely stalled due to U.S. opposition to judge appointments during Trump’s tenure.
As trade tensions between the U.S. and China continue to intensify, many foresee the WTO becoming a battleground for these conflicts. Trump’s new trade team is expected to challenge China’s status as a “developing country” at the WTO, arguing that the designation provides China with unfair advantages.
In response, China’s mission to the WTO expressed support for Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment, emphasizing a commitment to safeguarding the multilateral trading system.
Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the opportunity to work with the incoming Trump administration, noting potential areas for cooperation on intellectual property rights. “I think we should come into things with a very constructive and creative approach to trying to deal with the issues that will face the world trading system,” she said, though she refrained from commenting on Trump’s tariff plans, calling it premature.
When asked about remarks from former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who labeled her “China’s ally in Geneva,” Okonjo-Iweala responded diplomatically: “The WTO has 166 members, and I hope they all believe I’m their ally.”
