Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian economist, author, and global development expert who is widely regarded for her groundbreaking work in international development and financial policy. Born in 1954 in Ogwashi-Uku, Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala is the first female and first African Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), a role she assumed in 2021. Her career has spanned high-level positions in both the Nigerian government and international financial institutions, including as the Finance Minister of Nigeria and Managing Director of the World Bank.

Okonjo-Iweala is celebrated for her expertise in economic policy, poverty reduction, and global health. Throughout her career, she has worked to improve financial management and economic governance, especially in developing nations. Her efforts in Nigeria helped to secure debt relief for the country, and her leadership in global trade aims to empower developing economies to have a stronger voice in international trade negotiations. She is also known for her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.

One of Okonjo-Iweala's notable quotes is, "The only way to create a fairer world is to lift everyone up, not just a few." This reflects her belief in inclusive growth and global equity. Another powerful statement from her is, "Leaders are not defined by the challenges they face but by how they respond to them." Through her work at the World Trade Organization and beyond, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala continues to shape the future of global trade, economic policy, and development for a more equitable world.