Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to Become First Black Woman to Lead World Trade Organization

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February 5, 2021

By Joe Jurado, The Root

…Okonjo-Iweala is an economist and the former finance minister of Nigeria. While Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy had widespread support among the members of the organization, the Trump administration’s support of Yoo [former candidate for president of the World Trade Organization] complicated things as all members of the WTO must be in agreement for a new leader to be appointed.

The organization has been leaderless since Roberto Azevêdo stepped down from his position in August, a year earlier than when his term was set to end. He left amid an escalating trade dispute between the United States and China. Yoo said that the organization had been without a leader for too long when explaining her decision to drop out during a televised briefing….

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Former Nigerian Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Fianace speaks at The 2017 Concordia Annual Summit at Grand Hyatt New York on September 19, 2017 in New York City Photo: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Getty Images)

…The Trump administration was pretty much dead-set on undermining the organization, imposing tariffs on fellow members such as Canada, Mexico, China and the European Union. As such, Okonjo-Iweala is inheriting an organization that’s been increasingly tested on its ability to prevent trade disputes between its members.

Surprise, surprise. A Black woman is being asked to step in and fix a mess she played no role in creating….

Read the full article here.

Learn about the powerful history of African Women and about social activist June Jordan.

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