Okonjo-Iweala starts work as WTO chief

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

A former Nigerian finance and foreign minister, she is the first woman and first African to run the WTO. 

Dr Okonjo-Iweala has said that addressing the health and economic consequences of the pandemic would be a key priority. 

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

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

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Reuters

Blessing Mwangi