His Excellency, Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), commends all WTO member states for following an agreed fair, robust and transparent process in the election of the next Director-General of the WTO.

This process, led by the Chair of the General Council assisted by two others to comprise a Troika, has been followed meticulously. The Troika has executed its task with diligence and fairness, allowing all member states to participate and express themselves fully on the candidates.

Thus far member states have accepted the recommendations of the Troika at each stage of the process. This has brought us to the point where, at the consultation meeting of the General Council held on 28 October 2020, the Chair of the General Council on behalf of the Troika reported that Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has emerged as the only candidate proposed for endorsement by the General Council on 9 November 2020.

The AU is deeply appreciative of the supportive comments by member states on Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s excellent qualifications for the post.

The AU trusts that, in the same spirit, nothing will stand in the way of the WTO making the right decision for the organisation.

At a time when the credibility of the WTO is sorely tested, it is important that the organisation honours its own rules and procedures. The African Union reiterates its full support for Dr Okonjo-Iweala.

Media enquiries: Tyrone Seale, Acting Spokesperson to the President at media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Chairperson of the African Union