Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, born on June 13, 1954, in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Nigeria, is a renowned Nigerian economist and international development expert. She is the first woman and the first African to serve as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
| Name | Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala |
| Birth Date | June 13, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta, Nigeria |
| Education | Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
| Profession | Economist, International Development Expert |
| Height | Not Publicly Available |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Years Active | 1982 – Present |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Estimated Net Worth | Not Publicly Available |
Early Life and Education
Okonjo-Iweala was born into a royal family in Delta State, Nigeria. After completing her secondary education in Nigeria, she moved to the United States for her tertiary education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University and later a PhD in Regional Economics and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Career Beginnings and Success
Okonjo-Iweala joined the World Bank as a development economist in 1982. She held several key positions in the organization over a period of 25 years. In 2003, she was appointed as the Finance Minister of Nigeria, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Later, she also served as the Foreign Minister of Nigeria, again being the first woman in that role.
Her journey to the top of global finance reached a pinnacle in 2021 when she was appointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, breaking the glass ceiling as the first woman and the first African to hold the position.
Personal Life
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is married to Dr. Ikemba Iweala, a neurosurgeon, and they have four children. She is known for her strong work ethic and her commitment to improving economic conditions in developing countries.
Legacy and Influence
Okonjo-Iweala’s pioneering role in global finance has broken many barriers and she has become a role model for many, especially women and people of African descent. Her work in various capacities has played a crucial role in shaping fiscal policies in Nigeria and in framing international trade policies.
Estimated Net Worth
Okonjo-Iweala’s net worth is not publicly available, reflecting her longstanding commitment to public service and economic development over personal wealth accumulation. As the Director-General of the WTO, her salary and benefits are commensurate with those of heads of other major international organizations.
