Fifty-eight of the 164 member states of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have supported a proposal from the African Group backing incumbent Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term. This was announced at the WTO General Council meeting on July 22.

The African Group's proposal calls for the reappointment process to begin as soon as possible. Many members praised Okonjo-Iweala’s hard work and achievements during her first term. Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude for the support and stated that she takes the call seriously, promising to announce her intentions soon.

Okonjo-Iweala, 70, took office on March 1, 2021, for a four-year term ending on August 31, 2025. She is eligible for a second term. She became the first woman and African to lead the WTO after overcoming significant opposition.

Previously, she served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister twice and briefly as Foreign Minister, the first woman to hold both positions. Okonjo-Iweala had a 25-year career at the World Bank, where she rose to the position of Managing Director, Operations.