Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Trade, Truth, and Trailblazing Leadership

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a name synonymous with global economic reform, anti-corruption advocacy, and fearless leadership. As the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), she shattered centuries-old barriers and reshaped the narrative of who holds power in global trade.

Born in Nigeria and educated at Harvard and MIT, Okonjo-Iweala’s journey blends intellectual rigor with grassroots passion. She twice served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister—steering Africa’s largest economy through turbulent times with discipline, transparency, and innovation. Her bold fiscal reforms, anti-corruption initiatives, and debt relief negotiations earned her global respect and national admiration.

At the WTO, she leads during a defining moment for global trade—navigating vaccine equity, supply chain disruptions, and rising economic inequality. Her leadership style is marked by authenticity, data-driven policy, and a deep commitment to development, especially in the Global South.

Okonjo-Iweala is more than a trade expert—she’s a strategist for human progress. She champions inclusive economic systems where women, youth, and underserved communities aren’t just considered—but prioritized. Her legacy is rooted in results, yet elevated by her values.

As a Sultanah, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala embodies the kind of leadership that challenges entrenched systems, opens new doors, and dares to reimagine what a global economy—rooted in justice and opportunity—can look like.