Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first female and first African leader of the World Trade Organization, plans to pursue a second four-year term upon the expiration of her current mandate next August, as confirmed by her spokesperson on Monday.

"We can confirm that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has officially declared her intention to seek a second term as Director-General of the WTO," stated spokesman Ismaila Dieng.

He noted that the 70-year-old has considered the "overwhelming and broad-based support expressed by members."

Her present term at the head of the 166-member WTO concludes in August 2025.

Her intention to seek reappointment was formally communicated to WTO chair Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg on Monday.

During the same meeting, the WTO’s African Group officially requested her availability for a second term and suggested that the re-nomination process commence promptly.

To date, no other candidates have emerged. Okonjo-Iweala, who assumed her role in March 2021, has focused her leadership on revitalizing the organization, positioning herself as a leader capable of fostering collaboration and driving progress.