Emmanuel OchayiDr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has made history again as she begins her second term as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Her reappointment marks a moment of pride for Africa and the global trade community. As the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala continues to inspire with her leadership and achievements. Below are 25 essential things to know about this remarkable leader.
1. Birth and Early Life
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was born on June 13, 1954, in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State, Nigeria.
Join our WhatsApp Channel2. Royal Heritage
She hails from a royal Igbo family, with her father serving as the Obi of Ogwashi-Ukwu.
3. Early Challenges
Her childhood was marked by the Nigerian Civil War, during which her family faced significant hardship.
4. Education Beginnings
Okonjo-Iweala attended International School Ibadan and St. Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan, for her secondary education.
5. Academic Excellence
She earned a magna cum laude Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University in 1976.
6. Doctorate Achievement
Okonjo-Iweala holds a PhD in Regional Economics and Development from MIT.
READ ALSO: Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed For Second Term As WTO Director-General
7. Trailblazer at the World Bank
She worked at the World Bank for 25 years, rising to the position of Managing Director of Operations.
8. Finance Minister of Nigeria
She served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister twice (2003–2006 and 2011–2015), becoming the first woman to hold this position.
9. Debt Relief Negotiator
Okonjo-Iweala led negotiations that secured the cancellation of $18 billion of Nigeria’s debt by the Paris Club.
10. Foreign Minister
Briefly, she served as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister in 2006, the first woman to do so.
11. Champion of Transparency
She introduced reforms to improve transparency and reduce corruption in Nigeria’s public sector.
12. Gavi Leadership
As Board Chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, she facilitated the immunization of millions of children worldwide.
13. Global Recognition
She has appeared multiple times on Forbes‘ list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World.
14. Historic WTO Appointment
In March 2021, she became the first African and first woman to lead the WTO.
15. Reappointment to the WTO
In November 2024, she was reappointed for a second term without contest.
16. Advocating Trade Inclusivity
Okonjo-Iweala is vocal about creating a more inclusive and sustainable global trade system.
17. COVID-19 Response
She played a critical role in global efforts to ensure equitable vaccine distribution during the pandemic.
18. A Voice for Women
She is a staunch advocate for empowering women in business and leadership roles.
19. Acclaimed Author
Her books include Reforming the Unreformable and Fighting Corruption is Dangerous.
20. Family Life
She is married to Dr. Ikemba Iweala and has four children and three grandchildren.
21. Recognized Economist
Okonjo-Iweala has received numerous honorary degrees from prestigious universities worldwide.
22. Entrepreneurial Spirit
She founded NOI Polls, a pioneering Nigerian opinion research firm.
23. International Roles
She has served on advisory boards for the Rockefeller Foundation and several global organizations.
24. Public Speaking
Her speeches at TED Talks and global summits are widely acclaimed for their clarity and insight.
25. Vision for the WTO
She aims to modernize the WTO and address challenges such as trade inequalities and climate change.
Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment reinforces her commitment to global trade and development. As she continues her work, her influence resonates beyond the WTO, inspiring millions worldwide.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
