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Okonjo-Iweala to head WTO with U.S. backing

Nigerian-American Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is poised to become the next head of Geneva-based WTO after clinching the "strong support" of the United States.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at London's U.K.-Africa Investment Summit in January
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at London's U.K.-Africa Investment Summit in January (AN/DFID)

GENEVA (AN) — Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is poised to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organization after clinching the "strong support" of the United States on Friday, prompting her chief rival to withdraw from the race.

A Nigerian-American development economist with high-level management experience at several global oganizations, Okonjo-Iweala will smash WTO's glass ceiling after she is confirmed later this month as its first woman and first African to head the 164-nation global trade body, which is not part of the United Nations system. Her four and a half year term will begin on March 1.

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