Nigeria’s former minister of finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been appointed the next director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The body confirmed her appointment on Monday via a brief statement posted to Twitter.
“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,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, the WTO members took the decision to appoint Mrs Okonjo-Iweala at a special meeting of the General Council, following a selection process that included eight candidates from around the world.
Okonjo-Iweala’s path to the role became clear after receiving the backing of the administration of US President Joe Biden.
Her rival Yoo Myung-hee who is South Korea’s trade minister withdrew from the race.
