Okonjo-Iweala starts work as World Trade Organization ruler

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigerian-American, starts work as the new head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Monday.

Former finance and foreign minister of Nigeria, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and first African to run the WTO.

According to the new leader, tackling the health and economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic would be a key priority.

There are concerns in Washington and other capitals about China’s trade policies and the WTO’s ability to deal with them.

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Dr Okonjo-Iweala is known to be reform-minded, but will be constrained by the wishes of member countries.