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World Trade Organization (WTO) appoints Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General

Former Nigerian Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been appointed as the director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Dr. Ngozi's appointment came after a special general council meeting by WTO on Monday with her term set to start on the 1st of March 2021

The 66-year has made history by becoming the first woman as well as African to lead the Switzerland-based institution.

The former finance minister was strongly supported by US President, Joe Biden who swung behind her candidacy after South Korean Trade Minister, Yoo Myung-hee pulled out.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala served Nigeria as the first female finance & foreign minister and currently boasts of a 25-year career as a development economist at the World Bank.

The newly appointed DG also serves on Twitter's Board of Directors as chairlady of the GAVI Vaccine Alliance as well as a special envoy for the World Health Organization’s (WHO) fight against Covid-19.

Prior to her appointment, Dr. Ngozi had reiterated that she had broad experience in advocating reform and was the ideal person to help put the WTO back on track.