As the campaign for Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) enters its final lap, Graca Machel, a highly respected global figure and wife of Nelson Mandela and other influential women across the continent have come out in support of Africa’s candidate, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Conveners and supporters in the group include Ibukun Awosika, Chair, First Bank of Nigeria; Nonkululeko Nyembezi, Chair, Johannesburg Stock Exchange and Dr. Yomna ElSheridy, President, Business Women of Egypt 21.
Also part of the campaign are Maria Ramos, former CEO, Absa; Myma Belo-Osagie, Partner, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie and Prof. Rose Leke, Chair, Africa Regional Certification Commission for Polio Eradication.
In a statement titled “A Call to Elevate Africa’s Voice on the Global Stage” addressed to WTO member states, the women made a strong case for the global trade body to elect the former Nigerian finance minister as its first female head since 1995 based on her clear status as the best candidate in the race.
Also Read: What Okonjo-Iweala’s WTO Win Will Do For Nigeria, Africa – Spokesperson
“As African women in the business community, we stand behind Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in her bid to become Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). If appointed director-general, Okonjo-Iweala would be the first African person – man or woman – to lead the WTO.”
Noting that “by 2050 one in eight people in the world will be an African woman”, the group stated that the interest of the African woman, the continent and world trade would be best served by Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence as DG, WTO.
The group asserted that her victory would also represent a positive landmark within the WTO as an institution which needs to improve its track record in gender representation within its ranks.
“Today, the number of women chairing WTO bodies, panels and working groups and representing Members and Observers to the WTO is considerably lower than that of men. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment would signal not only a milestone in gender diversity but also be a watershed moment for Africa… Recognizing the future ahead, now is the time to ensure that African perspectives – especially African women’s perspectives – are represented on the global stage.”
The group also believes that the election of the former World Bank managing director will help the WTO which has been effectively paralyzed in recent years by US-China rivalry to catch up with and maximize key regional trade landmarks like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in the interest of the continent. This, they stated, is an imperative in a world where protectionism is increasing at the expense of globalization because Africa has a strong stake in the realization of the multilateral vision which has animated Okonjo-Iweala’s career.
Also Read: WTO: Buhari Pledges Support for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
In their words: “As the world becomes more protectionist, Africa is showing its commitment to using trade to accelerate development. Regional trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) are modern and at the cutting-edge, but WTO rules have fallen behind. Under her tenure, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will ensure that the rules take into account rapidly growing areas like the digital economy and services trade.”
The group stated that Okonjo-Iweala’s highly anticipated victory will be a win-win for Africa and the world both in terms of expected substantial accomplishments and powerful positive symbolism.
They stated: “We urge the WTO member states to recognise Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as the best candidate for Director-General not only because of her vast experience leading national and multilateral agencies and initiatives but also because of her vision. At a time in which the world requires an innovative approach to tackle the challenges of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala adds a fresh perspective not only as a female candidate but as an African woman. Given the region’s growing population, her appointment will be a profound step forward for free trade.”
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