Former Nigeria’s finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is appointed new director-general of World Trade Organisation (WTO). Ngozi now becomes the first woman and also African to lead the Switzerland-based institution.
On the 15th of February, she was announced on WTO official Twitter account: “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. Her term starts on the 1st of March 2021.”
“WTO members took the decision to appoint Dr. Ngozi at a special meeting of the General Council, following a selection process that included eight candidates from around the world.”
US President Joe Biden strongly swung behind her candidacy shortly after the only other remaining contender, South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee, pulled out.
People across African countries celebrate her new feat upon making history.
