Africa reacts to Okonjo-Iweala’s historic election as WTO chief

A chain of reactions via social media was triggered by African leaders – past and present – as well as diplomats with respect to the historic election of Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as new Director-General of the World Trade Organization, WTO.

The 66-year-old former Finance Minister of Africa’s most populous nation made history with her election as the first woman and first African to occupy the top post.

Her election as confirmed by consensus at a special meeting of the organisation's General Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Okonjo-Iweala – who also holds US citizenship – is a former Managing Director of the World Bank.

The Trump administration had blocked her candidature but that was lifted when the Biden White House backed her bid and her main contender – from South Korea – withdrew her challenge weeks back.

The African Union which backed her candidature issued a statement via AU Commission chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat. The statement read as follows:

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat warmly congratulates Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria upon her formal selection by the General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

Upon her formal appointment on 1 March 2021, Dr Okonjo-Iweala will become the first woman and the first African to head the Organization in its twenty-five year history, a double historical precedent in recognition of her inspirational global leadership.

The Chairperson also commends the Council for confirming Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy, which enjoyed strong global consensus, including the endorsement of the African Union.

Below are some reactions across Africa’s political and diplomatic community:

I believe her track record of integrity, diligence and passion for development will continue to yield positive results and rewards to mankind, and that she will validate the global mandate of repositioning and strengthening the WTO for the greater good of all.

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 15, 2021

Extending my heartfelt congratulations to my small sister @NOIweala on her new post as Director-General of the @wto. It has been an honor to witness your groundbreaking journey, and I am eternally grateful for your support as an @EJSCenter Board Member and Amujae Coach.

— Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (@MaEllenSirleaf) February 15, 2021

My warmest congratulations to @NOIweala upon her confirmation as the next DG of @WTO,becoming the first woman &first African to head WTO in its 25yr history, a double historical precedent!The AU is pleased that the global consensus in favour of her inspiring leadership,prevailed. pic.twitter.com/wHR7moZv0e

— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) February 15, 2021

[Read] @_AfricanUnion Commission Chairperson @AUC_MoussaFaki Mahamat warmly congratulates Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala @NOIweala of #Nigeria upon her formal selection by the @WTO General Council as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organization @ https://t.co/VUFP15UStI

— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) February 15, 2021

Mes chaleureuses félicitations à l’économiste @NOIweala Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Première femme élue Directrice générale de l’#OMC. Le Sénégal qui a soutenu sa candidature lui souhaite plein succès.

— Macky Sall (@Macky_Sall) February 15, 2021

Congratulations @NOIweala !

You will be amazing! Go rally the whole world behind trade that is just!

Profits must not come before lives.

Tech must be shared so that billions are vaccinated against #COVID19 ASAP. Trade rules must enable this.#PeoplesVaccine https://t.co/dLjquWj568

— Winnie Byanyima (@Winnie_Byanyima) February 15, 2021

Warm congratulations @noiweala on making history with your selection as the Director General @WTO. We are confident that you will achieve excellent results while setting high standards with your new role. Once again, you have made us all proud. https://t.co/0zuKdQ0bSf pic.twitter.com/Wmy5ABkmBT

— Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed (@ZShamsuna) February 15, 2021

Congratulations to my sister @NOIweala! Your election as head of the WTO is a source of great pride for the continent and an inspiration for women. Well done ! pic.twitter.com/BKZRrOZVbm

— Alassane Ouattara (@AOuattara_PRCI) February 15, 2021

Congratulations to my dear big sister ?@NOIweala? on becoming today the first woman and first African to be elected as Director General of ?@wto?. Congratulations! ????????????? pic.twitter.com/jZQEZZAUNj

— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) February 15, 2021

Congratulations @NOIweala on your double first (first African and first woman) to be elected Director General of the @wto. Sierra Leone looks forward to working with you.

— President Julius Maada Bio (@PresidentBio) February 15, 2021