Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala , the former Minister of Finance , has been appointed as the Director - General of the World Trade Organisation. Okonjo- Iweala , whose tenure begins March 1 , is the first woman and African to hold the position. Download or See : Watch: Omo Oloro 2 Latest Yoruba Movie 2021 Drama The WTO stated this in a tweet on Monday , saying , “ Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala from Nigeria is appointed as the next WTO Director - General. Dr . Okonjo- Iweala makes history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO . Her term starts on the 1 st of March 2021. “ WTO members took the decision to appoint @ NOIweala at a special meeting of the General Council , following a selection process that included eight candidates from around the world #WTODG . ” The former Minister had , a few days ago , received the backing of the administration of US President Joe Biden for the role . The US Trade Representative in a statement cited her “ wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy ” and said she had “ proven experience managing a large international organization. ” Okonjo- Iweala was challenged by South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung- hee who later withdrew from the race for the position.