First woman, first African: Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala set to be named WTO boss

Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is expected to be confirmed today as the first woman and first African Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

This is as the Organization has called a special general council meeting at which the former Nigerian finance minister is expected to be formally selected as the global trade body’s new leader.

United States President Joe Biden swung behind h Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy after the only other remaining contender, South Korean Trade Minister, Yoo Myung-hee, pulled out.

The organization is also eager to conclude the drawn-out process, having been without a leader since Brazilian career diplomat, Roberto Azevedo, stepped down a year ahead of schedule, last August.

The process of picking one of eight candidates to succeed him had been expected to wrap up by November, but the administration of former US President Donald Trump blocked the consensus to appoint Okonjo-Iweala.