Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been appointed as the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment was announced on Monday by the Geneva-based organisation.
“Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria is appointed as the next WTO Director-General. Dr Okonjo-Iweala makes history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO,” the WTO announced on Twitter.
“Her term starts on the 1st of March 2021.
“WTO members took the decision to appoint @NOIweala at a special meeting of the General Council, following a selection process that included eight candidates from around the world.”
All WTO member countries except the US had voted Okonjo-Iweala as their preferred candidate in 2020.
However, the United States said it favoured her opponent; South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee because the WTO needs someone with real, hands-on experience in the field
BREAKING: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria is appointed as the next WTO Director-General.
— WTO (@wto) February 15, 2021
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala makes history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.
Her term starts on the 1st of March 2021.
More details soon. #WTODG@NOIweala pic.twitter.com/2RJkkfK2Id
