By Editor
As the clock ticks toward August 2025, the world is witnessing the stirrings of a monumental decision within the global trade ecosystem: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has formally declared her intention to seek a second term. In an announcement that carries both historical significance and political undertones, Okonjo-Iweala aims to continue her fight for global trade reforms, ensuring that the first African and female leader of the WTO leaves an indelible mark on the global stage.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Okonjo-Iweala shared her vision of an unfinished agenda that she wishes to pursue in a potential second term. Her priorities include tackling fisheries subsidies, reforming agriculture negotiations, revamping the WTO’s ailing dispute resolution system, and steering international trade towards a greener, decarbonised future. However, the underlying dynamics of her candidacy reveal much more than a bureaucratic contest. It reflects the ongoing geopolitical struggles, gender biases, and economic divides that still dominate the corridors of global power.
A Personal and Global Battle: Okonjo-Iweala’s Return to the Fray
Okonjo-Iweala’s journey to the pinnacle of global trade leadership was nothing short of a battle. Taking office in March 2021 amidst the ruins of a pandemic-stricken global economy, she brought with her decades of experience as Nigeria’s former finance minister and a development economist with an eye on policy transformation. Yet, it was her ability to break the dual barriers of gender and race that stood out, making her the first woman and African to head the 30-year-old trade body. Her triumph symbolised the breaking of centuries-old barriers of exclusion within multilateral organisations. Now, with the expiry of her current term looming, her bid for a second term takes on even greater importance.
“I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story, and I stand ready to compete for the position,” she declared, setting in motion a new chapter in global trade leadership.
Her candidacy, though, comes amidst intense international political jockeying, especially given the upcoming U.S. elections and other international leadership changes. While Okonjo-Iweala has until November 2024 to officially declare her candidacy, her early announcement, driven by African-led initiatives, has sparked widespread global interest. The timing, strategic as it may be, highlights her intention to consolidate support ahead of any potential opposition, particularly from the United States, a country that could once again be swayed by political winds. The spectre of Donald Trump’s possible re-election casts a long shadow over her candidacy. In 2020, Trump’s administration was instrumental in blocking her appointment, a move many interpreted as both a personal attack and a repudiation of the WTO itself, which he labelled “horrible.”
The former president’s perceived contempt for multilateral institutions was palpable throughout his term, leading to fears of a total breakdown of the global trading order had he remained in office. In contrast, Okonjo-Iweala secured the endorsement of Joe Biden, who succeeded Trump in 2021, restoring faith in the U.S. commitment to the WTO. As the world grapples with this uncertainty, her candidacy appears to be a direct test of U.S. foreign policy and international trade strategies.
Global Reform at Stake: Unfinished Business
In her bid for a second term, Okonjo-Iweala has emphasized that her work is far from over. The issues on her agenda are not only significant but also deeply complex, requiring a mixture of diplomatic finesse, policy reform, and strong political will to navigate. The fight against harmful fisheries subsidies, for instance, remains a contentious issue. Okonjo-Iweala’s push to end these subsidies is rooted in her desire to protect the world’s oceans from overfishing and exploitation—a stance that pits her against major fishing nations like China and the European Union.
The ongoing negotiations in global agriculture are another thorny issue on her plate. Agriculture, long a sensitive topic at the WTO, has proven to be a source of significant tension between developed and developing countries. Countries from the Global South have continuously argued for a more equitable trading environment, demanding an end to subsidies in developed nations that undermine their own agricultural sectors. Okonjo-Iweala’s ability to bridge this divide will be crucial to ensuring that trade remains a tool for development rather than exploitation.
Moreover, the WTO’s dispute settlement system, once hailed as the “jewel in the crown” of the organisation, has been in limbo for years. The Trump administration blocked the appointment of judges to the appellate body, effectively paralysing the system. Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership in reforming and restoring this mechanism will be closely watched, as it is essential for resolving trade disputes and ensuring that smaller nations are not bullied by economic giants.
Perhaps the most ambitious goal on her agenda is decarbonising global trade. As climate change continues to devastate ecosystems and economies alike, Okonjo-Iweala seeks to position the WTO as a leader in sustainable trade practices. Her vision of “greening” trade represents a bold step forward, one that would require significant policy shifts and multilateral cooperation. However, as with any climate-related initiative, her push to decarbonise trade will inevitably encounter resistance from powerful nations and industries deeply entrenched in fossil fuels.
African Leadership on the Global Stage
Okonjo-Iweala’s rise to prominence is not just a personal victory but also a victory for Africa. Her leadership reflects the growing influence of African voices in global governance, a trend that many see as long overdue. For decades, Africa has been marginalised in international trade discussions, often seen as a recipient of aid rather than an equal participant in global markets. Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership of the WTO provides a platform for the continent to assert its interests in shaping the global economic order.
However, her leadership is also fraught with challenges. The WTO is a highly politicised organisation, with member states often acting in their own national interests rather than in the spirit of multilateralism. For Okonjo-Iweala to push through her reforms, she will need to navigate a minefield of political alliances, economic interests, and, in some cases, outright opposition.
Additionally, her African identity, while a source of pride for many, has also made her a target of subtle and overt discrimination. The same biases that have historically excluded Africans from global leadership positions are still very much alive today. Her success, therefore, is not only contingent on her abilities but also on the willingness of the global community to embrace true diversity in leadership.
The U.S. Factor: Can Okonjo-Iweala Survive a Trump Return?
A potential wildcard in Okonjo-Iweala’s second term bid is the United States, particularly the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. When asked whether both she and the WTO could succeed if Trump were re-elected, Okonjo-Iweala candidly stated, “I don’t focus on that because I have no control.” Her diplomatic answer belies the reality of the situation: A Trump return to the White House could spell trouble for her leadership.
Trump’s apparent disdain for multilateral organisations is well-documented, and his administration actively sought to undermine the WTO. His obstruction of the appointment of judges to the dispute settlement body essentially crippled the organisation’s ability to mediate trade disputes. Moreover, his America First policies, marked by tariffs and trade wars, flew in the face of the WTO’s mission to promote open and fair global trade.
Okonjo-Iweala’s ability to navigate these political dynamics will be critical to the success of her second term bid. If Trump returns to power, the likelihood of U.S. opposition to her reappointment could become a reality. On the other hand, if Biden or another pro-multilateralism leader remains in office, she will likely find more support for her reform agenda.
Conclusion: A Second Term for Global Transformation?
As the world watches Okonjo-Iweala’s bid for a second term unfold, the stakes are higher than ever. The WTO is at a crossroads, and its future depends not only on its leadership but also on the political will of its member states. Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy represents more than just a personal ambition; it is a fight for the future of global trade, African leadership, and multilateralism itself.
Will she succeed in her quest to reform the WTO and steer global trade toward a more equitable and sustainable future? Or will the forces of protectionism, nationalism, and political polarisation once again obstruct progress? The answers to these questions will determine not only her legacy but also the future of the global trading system.
