Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a globally acclaimed economist, reformer, and transformative leader who currently serves as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) — the first woman and first African to hold the position. With over four decades of distinguished service spanning global finance, trade, and development, she has become one of the most influential voices shaping international economic policy.

As Nigeria’s Minister of Finance for two terms, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala led groundbreaking economic reforms, secured landmark debt relief from the Paris Club, and strengthened the country’s macroeconomic stability. Before that, she spent 25 years at the World Bank, rising to the position of Managing Director, where she oversaw operations in Africa, Europe, and Central Asia, managing portfolios worth billions of dollars aimed at driving growth and poverty reduction.

A tireless advocate for equitable global trade, sustainable development, and inclusive prosperity, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has been recognized worldwide for her leadership — named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women. Her visionary approach continues to inspire economic transformation and empower nations toward shared global progress.