Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (born 1954) is a Nigerian-American economist and the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (2021-present). She served twice as Nigeria's Finance Minister (2003-2006, 2011-2015) and as Foreign Minister. Okonjo-Iweala spent 25 years at the World Bank, rising to Managing Director. As Finance Minister, she led anti-corruption efforts, negotiated debt relief, and introduced reforms that stabilized Nigeria's economy. She chaired Gavi (vaccine alliance) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Okonjo-Iweala holds a PhD from MIT and has received numerous global honors. Her leadership demonstrates Nigerian excellence in global governance and economics.


GLOBAL ECONOMIC LEADER:
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), spearheads reforms promoting inclusive trade, vaccine equity, and digital commerce.

NATIONAL REFORMS:
As Nigeria’s finance minister she led debt relief negotiations that cancelled $18 billion in external debt, introduced the Treasury Single Account, and strengthened the Sovereign Wealth Fund. She implemented the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System to curb fraud.

DEVELOPMENT ADVOCATE:
She chaired Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and co-chairs the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate. During COVID-19 she co-led the WHO/World Bank board on pandemic preparedness.

INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR:
Books such as Reforming the Unreformable and Women and Leadership capture lessons on governance, resilience, and gender equity. She mentors women in public finance through the Okonjo-Iweala Fellowship.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 13 June 1954 in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State.
- Education: Harvard University (AB), MIT (PhD in Regional Economics).
- Honours: Time 100, Forbes Most Powerful Women, Nigeria’s Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
- Nickname: “NOI” recognised globally for policy expertise.