25 Things To Know About Newly Reappointed WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

25 Things To Know About Newly Reappointed WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

2 weeks ago
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Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has made history again as she begins her second term as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Her reappointment marks a moment of pride for Africa and the global trade community. As the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala continues to inspire with her leadership and achievements. Below are 25 essential things to know about this remarkable leader.

1. Birth and Early Life

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was born on June 13, 1954, in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State, Nigeria.

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2. Royal Heritage

She hails from a royal Igbo family, with her father serving as the Obi of Ogwashi-Ukwu.

3. Early Challenges

Her childhood was marked by the Nigerian Civil War, during which her family faced significant hardship.

4. Education Beginnings

Okonjo-Iweala attended International School Ibadan and St. Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan, for her secondary education.

5. Academic Excellence

She earned a magna cum laude Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University in 1976.

6. Doctorate Achievement

Okonjo-Iweala holds a PhD in Regional Economics and Development from MIT.

READ ALSO: Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed For Second Term As WTO Director-General

7. Trailblazer at the World Bank

She worked at the World Bank for 25 years, rising to the position of Managing Director of Operations.

8. Finance Minister of Nigeria

She served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister twice (2003–2006 and 2011–2015), becoming the first woman to hold this position.

9. Debt Relief Negotiator

Okonjo-Iweala led negotiations that secured the cancellation of $18 billion of Nigeria’s debt by the Paris Club.

10. Foreign Minister

Briefly, she served as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister in 2006, the first woman to do so.

11. Champion of Transparency

She introduced reforms to improve transparency and reduce corruption in Nigeria’s public sector.

12. Gavi Leadership

As Board Chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, she facilitated the immunization of millions of children worldwide.

13. Global Recognition

She has appeared multiple times on Forbes‘ list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World.

14. Historic WTO Appointment

In March 2021, she became the first African and first woman to lead the WTO.

15. Reappointment to the WTO

In November 2024, she was reappointed for a second term without contest.

16. Advocating Trade Inclusivity

Okonjo-Iweala is vocal about creating a more inclusive and sustainable global trade system.

17. COVID-19 Response

She played a critical role in global efforts to ensure equitable vaccine distribution during the pandemic.

18. A Voice for Women

She is a staunch advocate for empowering women in business and leadership roles.

19. Acclaimed Author

Her books include Reforming the Unreformable and Fighting Corruption is Dangerous.

20. Family Life

She is married to Dr. Ikemba Iweala and has four children and three grandchildren.

21. Recognized Economist

Okonjo-Iweala has received numerous honorary degrees from prestigious universities worldwide.

22. Entrepreneurial Spirit

She founded NOI Polls, a pioneering Nigerian opinion research firm.

23. International Roles

She has served on advisory boards for the Rockefeller Foundation and several global organizations.

24. Public Speaking

Her speeches at TED Talks and global summits are widely acclaimed for their clarity and insight.

25. Vision for the WTO

She aims to modernize the WTO and address challenges such as trade inequalities and climate change.

Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment reinforces her commitment to global trade and development. As she continues her work, her influence resonates beyond the WTO, inspiring millions worldwide.

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Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.

Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.

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