Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Pioneering Nigerian economist and first female head of WTO who transformed global trade policies

Early Life & Education

Born in 1954 in Zaria, Nigeria, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala grew up during the country's formative post-colonial years. After graduating from Harvard University with a PhD in Economics, she became one of Africa's first female economists to work at the World Bank.

Key Contributions

As Nigeria's Finance Minister (2003-2011), she implemented landmark reforms including debt relief and anti-corruption measures that added $1.3 billion annually to public coffers. Her 2005 debt cancellation deal with Paris Club creditors remains a model for developing nations.

Global Leadership

In 2021, she made history as first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization. Under her leadership, WTO members agreed to a landmark vaccine IP waiver during the pandemic, saving millions of lives globally.

Innovative Policies

Her pioneering work in conditional cash transfer programs inspired similar initiatives in 27 countries. She also introduced Nigeria's first sovereign wealth fund, now valued at over $30 billion.