Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (born 13 June 1954, Delta State, Nigeria) is a globally respected economist, reformer, and international public servant.
She was educated in Nigeria before moving to the United States, earning an Economics degree from Harvard University and a Master’s and PhD from MIT in regional economics and development.
She spent over 25 years at the World Bank, rising to Managing Director, where she oversaw billions of dollars in development operations across multiple regions.
In Nigeria, she served twice as Minister of Finance (2003–2006 and 2011–2015) and briefly as Minister of Foreign Affairs. As Finance Minister, she:
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Led negotiations that secured major debt relief for Nigeria
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Introduced key financial reforms to improve transparency and reduce corruption
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Helped stabilize Nigeria’s economy during periods of crisis
Internationally, she held leadership roles with organizations such as Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), the African Risk Capacity, and served as a COVID-19 response envoy. She also sat on boards of major global institutions.
In 2021, she became the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) She was the first woman and first African to hold the position — and was later reappointed for a second term. At the WTO, she has focused on global trade reform, pandemic recovery, and cooperation among nations.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has received numerous global honors, including listings among the world’s most influential and powerful leaders. She is married with children and holds both Nigerian and U.S. citizenship.
Overall,her legacy is defined by economic reform, international leadership, and breaking historic barriers for women and Africans in global governance.
Director general at World Trade Organisation
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