Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Director General, World Trade Organization (WTO)
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a trailblazer in global economics and global trade expert with over 40years bagged in experience. As the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), she has broken barriers and earned a place among the top 100 most influential women worldwide, thanks to her resilience, intellect, and commitment to global reform.
Her early career at the World Bank saw her rise to Managing Director, overseeing operations in Africa, South Asia, and Europe. This experience shaped her commitment to economic reforms in developing countries. She was Chair of the Board of Gavi, Vaccine Alliance, African Risk Capacity and Co-Chair of The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate. Previously, she served as Senior Advisor at Lazard Ltd. and sat on the Boards of Standard Chartered PLC and Twitter Inc.
Okonjo-Iweala’s expertise was soon recognized globally. Though she did not secure the presidency of the World Bank in 2012, she continued to grow her influence, taking advisory roles in organizations.
Her leadership at the WTO has focused on equitable vaccine distribution, trade reforms, and addressing the needs of developing countries. Okonjo-Iweala’s dedication to fairness in global trade and her navigation of complex economic landscapes have made her a pivotal figure.
Beyond her positions, she is a role model for women and Africans aspiring to lead in global governance. Her advocacy for debt relief, equitable trade, and resource access, particularly during crises, solidifies her status as one of the most influential women in the world.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as the Director-General of WTO on 1 March 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO. Her first term concludes on 31 August 2025. Her reappointment highlights the strong support for her efforts to enhance the WTO’s relevance and capacity in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade and a grand inspiration for women leadership.
She served as Nigeria’s first female and longest serving Finance Minister and was also the first female Foreign Minister. She spent a 25-year career at the World Bank rising to the No.2 position of Managing Director, Operations.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is truly and once again inspired the idea of an exemplary woman leadership and is sure one of the Top Most Influential Women In The World.
