GENEVA – Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), was reappointed for a second term on November 29. Her reappointment comes as concerns mount over the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, given his disdain for international trade rules and threats to the WTO during his previous term.
The WTO’s 166 members reached a consensus to extend her leadership, largely to avoid possible U.S. opposition under a Trump administration. African nations expedited the process to sidestep potential vetoes like those Trump issued in 2020, delaying Okonjo-Iweala’s initial appointment until Joe Biden took office.
As Trump signals plans for aggressive trade policies and unilateral tariffs, Okonjo-Iweala’s next term is expected to focus on preserving the WTO’s relevance amid rising tensions. Analysts warn that her role will be akin to a “firefighter,” tasked with defending the organization’s rules while addressing challenges like the moribund appeals system, which collapsed during Trump’s first presidency.
Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership has emphasized modernization, targeting global issues like climate change and health. However, with member nations increasingly circumventing WTO commitments for domestic priorities, her second term may be critical in navigating the organization’s survival in an era of mounting trade wars and protectionism.