WTO Director-General, Okonjo-Iweala on her definition of success

The Forbes Africa Leading Women Summit was recently graced by the presence of the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In a riveting conversation with Forbes Africa's Peace Hyde, Okonjo-Iweala shared her recipe for success and shed light on her vision for promoting equitable trade partnerships. The esteemed leader emphasized that trade is ultimately about people and highlighted the importance of creating employment and supporting a sustainable world. With a focus on the African continent, she discussed the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the role of the WTO in supporting Africa's development goals. Okonjo-Iweala underscored the need for investment in key sectors like the pharmaceutical industry to enhance local production and reduce dependency on imports. She emphasized the importance of value addition, investment facilitation, and capacity building to bolster economic growth and create opportunities for sustainable development. Throughout her illustrious career, Okonjo-Iweala has shattered glass ceilings and set remarkable milestones as the first woman to hold various high-profile positions. Her advice to aspiring women is to find joy in their work, give their best effort, and prioritize service to others. By following these principles, she believes women can achieve success and make a meaningful impact in their respective fields. Addressing the pressing issue of inequity in global trade, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the importance of fostering win-win partnerships between developed and less developed nations. She stressed the need to address the inequalities that have marginalized populations and hindered inclusive growth. Through strategic initiatives and leveraging the tools of trade, Okonjo-Iweala aims to empower small enterprises and facilitate their integration into regional and global value chains, unlocking new opportunities for trade and economic empowerment.