The African Group has requested World Trade Organization (WTO) Chief, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to run for a second term as head of the global trade watchdog, according to a document released on Friday.
Okonjo-Iweala, who made history as the first female and African leader of the 30-year-old trade body in 2021, will see her current term end in August 2025. She has not yet publicly commented on her plans.
“The African Group is of the view that it would be in the best interest of the Organization if the process of reappointment were to start early,” stated the document sent by Chad, urging Okonjo-Iweala to make herself available for reappointment. It highlighted the importance of continuing progress on initiatives under her leadership ahead of the next major ministerial meeting to be hosted by Cameroon.
According to WTO rules, Okonjo-Iweala, 70, has until the end of November to decide whether to reapply. Some WTO delegates have privately speculated that she may avoid a second term if U.S. presidential candidate, Donald Trump wins in November, given that his administration previously opposed her appointment. Okonjo-Iweala has also expressed concerns that some of Trump’s proposals could disrupt the global trading system.
