WTO DG: Dangote endorses Okonjo-Iweala

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has endorsed the candidature of Nigeria’s former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, to replace Roberto Azevedo, as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Okonjo is believed to be Africa’s favourite for the role contested by eight candidates across the globe and Dangote’s endorsement comes ahead of the end of the second phase of the selection process on September 7.

Despite Africa’s position as the likely continent to produce the next head of the WTO, the continent is divided on a consensus candidate as Africa has three contestants from Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria.

“In these challenging times, the WTO needs the renowned skills and tested experience of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to lead the organisation through identified obstacles and strengthen its position as the prime facilitator of international trade.

“A vote for her by all is a step in the right direction. I fully endorse the candidature of Iweala to lead the WTO,” Dangote said in a tweet.

Okonjo-Iweala had repeatedly said that the WTO rules should guarantee a stable, predictable, and fair multilateral trading system that could strengthen world economies.

The Nigerian equally believes that the WTO’s consensus-driven approach only worked in the past where members had faith in the multilateral trade organization.

The former finance minister and foreign affairs minister had said lack of trust among members was the stumbling block, while she pledged to fix the organization.