Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (born 13 June 1954) is a Nigerian economist and international development expert who became the first woman and first African Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2021. She previously served as Nigeria's Finance Minister twice and as Managing Director of the World Bank, where she championed development initiatives across Africa. Her achievements have made her one of the most respected global leaders in economics and development.


WTO DIRECTOR-GENERAL:
In 2021, Okonjo-Iweala made history by becoming the first woman and first African Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Her appointment was widely celebrated as a milestone for gender equality and African representation in global leadership. Under her leadership, the WTO has worked to address global trade challenges, promote inclusive trade policies, and support developing countries in the global trading system.

NIGERIA FINANCE MINISTER:
Okonjo-Iweala served as Nigeria's Finance Minister twice (2003-2006 and 2011-2015), making her one of the most experienced finance ministers in Nigeria's history. During her tenure, she implemented significant economic reforms including debt relief negotiations, fiscal transparency initiatives, and economic stabilization measures. Her leadership helped improve Nigeria's economic management and international credibility.

DEBT RELIEF ACHIEVEMENT:
One of Okonjo-Iweala's major achievements as Finance Minister was negotiating Nigeria's debt relief with the Paris Club, resulting in the cancellation of $18 billion in debt. This achievement freed up resources for development spending and improved Nigeria's fiscal position. The debt relief was a significant milestone in Nigeria's economic history.

WORLD BANK LEADERSHIP:
As Managing Director of the World Bank (2007-2011), Okonjo-Iweala oversaw operations in Africa, South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia. She championed development initiatives that addressed poverty, infrastructure, and economic growth in developing countries. Her work at the World Bank demonstrated her commitment to global development and her ability to lead complex international organizations.

ECONOMIC REFORMS:
Throughout her career, Okonjo-Iweala has been a champion of economic reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. She has advocated for fiscal discipline, anti-corruption measures, and policies that support economic growth and poverty reduction. Her reform agenda has influenced economic policy in Nigeria and other developing countries.

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE:
Okonjo-Iweala holds a Ph.D. in Regional Economics and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She also holds degrees from Harvard University. Her strong educational background in economics has been foundational to her career in economic policy and international development.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION:
Okonjo-Iweala has received numerous awards and recognitions including being named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World by Forbes multiple times. She has been recognized by Time magazine, Fortune, and other major publications. Her achievements have been celebrated globally, making her one of the most recognized African leaders internationally.

LEGACY AND INFLUENCE:
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's legacy extends beyond her individual achievements. As the first African and first woman to lead the WTO, she has broken barriers and inspired countless Africans and women globally. Her work in economic policy and development has contributed to improved economic management in Nigeria and has influenced development policy globally. She has demonstrated that African leaders can excel at the highest levels of global leadership.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 13 June 1954 in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria.
- Education: Harvard University (Economics), MIT (Ph.D. in Regional Economics and Development).
- Key Achievement: First woman and first African Director-General of the World Trade Organization (2021).
- Previous Roles: Nigeria Finance Minister (2003-2006, 2011-2015), World Bank Managing Director (2007-2011).
- Major Achievement: Negotiated Nigeria's $18 billion debt relief with Paris Club.
- Recognition: Named one of 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes multiple times.
- Notable: First African woman to lead a major global organization.
- Impact: Championed economic reforms and development initiatives globally.