The World Trade Organization (WHO) leadership is up for grabs after the resignation of Roberto Azevedo, current Director General, and candidates are presenting themselves from all corners of the world, including Africa. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has endorsed the candidacy of Nigerian Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, according to Nigeria’s Nairametrics. Egypt has nominated Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh for the position. Kenya’s Ambassador Amina Mohamed’s candidacy has been touted, though she has not yet formally submitted her name. The nomination period closes July 8.
Nigeria’s nomination for the powerful post is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a renowned economist known continent-wide. Like the other candidates, she is competing to run the WTO for 2021-2025. Chairperson Mahamadou Issoufou of the ECOWAS’s Heads of State and Government issued a statement inviting both African and non-African countries to support Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy.
The organization is facing crucial times, according to economic experts, and the ongoing trade wars between the United States, China, and other countries will be a litmus test for whomever gets this job.
