Global perspective: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala talks about reforming WTO practices
Today’s first interviewee is Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who discusses the big picture world trade with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour before focusing on Africa.
The Nigerian economist and WTO director-general called the ripple effects of the Trump administration’s tariffs “the biggest trade disruption in 80 years.” She also said she agreed with some of the criticisms leveled at the organization by the United States.
“Crisis is an opportunity to reform[the WTO],” he said, calling for greater transparency and acknowledging that decision-making “can sometimes be paralyzing.”
“In today’s AI-enabled world, we need to find ways to be flexible and agile,” she added.
Mr. Okonjo-Iweala pointed out that it is not only the United States that criticizes the WTO, but developing countries also have legitimate grievances. “I think they’re coming to the surface because of the crisis we’re facing,” she said.
Beyond the bureaucracy, the director-general was bullish about the continent’s prospects, pointing to the IMF’s forecast for Africa’s growth rate of 4% in 2025 and 2026.
“Most of Africa’s mineral resources are yet to be discovered,” she said, pointing to the continent, which contains “67% of the world’s arable land” and 22% of the world’s working population.
“But how do we make this work?” she added.
Okonjo-Iweala called for “careful consideration” of tensions in Nigeria after US President Donald Trump suggested military action could be taken in Nigeria to protect Christians there.
“This is an incredibly complex issue. The situation is very difficult and requires careful consideration,” said Okonjo-Iweala, who previously served as Nigeria’s finance minister.
“There are religious issues involved, there are resource issues involved, there are all kinds of complexities. So I think it needs to be carefully considered.”
