TheCable

Leading African women have continued to drum their support for the candidacy of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

In a statement titled “A Call to Elevate Africa’s Voice on the Global Stage”, addressed to WTO member states, the women made a strong case for the global trade body to elect the former Nigerian finance minister, as its first female head since 1995 based on her clear status as the best candidate in the race.

Conveners and supporters in the group include Ibukun Awosika, chair, First Bank of Nigeria; Graca Machel, wife of Nelson Mandela; Nonkululeko Nyembezi, chair, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and Yomna ElSheridy, president, Business Women of Egypt 21.

Also part of the campaign are Maria Ramos, former CEO, Absa; Myma Belo-Osagie, partner, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, and Rose Leke, chair, Africa Regional Certification Commission for Polio Eradication.

“As African women in the business community, we stand behind Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in her bid to become director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO),” the statement read.

“As the world becomes more protectionist, Africa is showing its commitment to using trade to accelerate development. Regional trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) are modern and at the cutting-edge, but WTO rules have fallen behind. Under her tenure, Okonjo-Iweala will ensure that the rules take into account rapidly growing areas like the digital economy and services trade.

“We urge the WTO member states to recognise Okonjo-Iweala as the best candidate for director-general not only because of her vast experience leading national and multilateral agencies and initiatives, but also because of her vision.

“At a time in which the world requires an innovative approach to tackle the challenges of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Okonjo-Iweala adds a fresh perspective not only as a female candidate but as an African woman. Given the region’s growing population, her appointment will be a profound step forward for free trade.

“Today, the number of women chairing WTO bodies, panels and working groups and representing members and observers to the WTO is considerably lower than that of men. Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment would signal not only a milestone in gender diversity but also be a watershed moment for Africa.”

Okonjo-Iweala is one of the two final candidates in the WTO election, and if appointed director-general, she would be the first African person to lead the WTO.

The group stated that Okonjo-Iweala’s highly anticipated victory will be a win-win for Africa and the world both in terms of expected substantial accomplishments and powerful positive symbolism.