79 countries back Okonjo-Iweala ahead of WTO election
By Emmanuel Awosika
Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has received the backing of 79 countries in her bid to become the first African Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
Speaking at a virtual conference, Okonjo-Iweala disclosed that the 55-nation African Union had declared support for her bid to land the WTO job. She said she was thrilled that “all African countries are getting behind me.”
The former Minister said some Pacific and Caribbean nations had also pledged support for her campaign, bring the number of countries who have endorsed her to 79.
Okonjo-Iweala added that she was confident of gaining support from Latin American countries and had “very good traction and support” in Asia.
“I feel quite confident that across the regions, we will be able to attract support,” Okonjo-Iweala added.
The 66-year old, who served as Nigeria’s first female Finance Minister, told attendees that it would be great if the WTO got its first African head.
She said: “If that person is African and a woman, I think that is great. Because… neither an African nor a woman has led the organisation.”
Okonjo-Iweala is contesting against Yoo Myung-hee of South Korea, an MIT-trained economist. Regardless of who wins, this will be the first time in history that the WTO will get a female Director-General.
