Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 2021 — the first woman and first African to hold the position. Former two-time Nigerian Finance Minister.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 13 June 1954
- Birthplace
- Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State
- Nationality
- Nigerian / American
- Role
- WTO Director-General (2021–present)
- Education
- Harvard University; MIT (PhD Economics)
Career
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has had a distinguished career spanning over 25 years at the World Bank, serving as its Managing Director from 2007 to 2011. She served twice as Nigeria's Finance Minister — under Presidents Obasanjo (2003–2006) and Jonathan (2011–2015) — where she introduced economic reforms that helped reduce Nigeria's debt and improve transparency.
WTO Leadership
In February 2021, she was appointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, the first woman and the first African to hold the position. She has prioritised addressing the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting vaccine equity, and navigating complex global trade disputes.
Key Works / Related Items
- Reforming the Unreformable (2012)
- Fighting Corruption Is Dangerous (2018)
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Wole Soyinka
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Olusegun Obasanjo
Two-time Nigerian leader: military head of state (1976–1979) and democratically elected president (1999–2007). Led Nigeria's transition to democracy and debt relief.