This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On July 8, 2020, Kenya nominated Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed for the post of World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, a position that will be vacant in August this year.
Ms Mohamed is one of six candidates vying for the position, including two Africans, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria) and Mr. Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh (Egypt).
The WTO director-general is appointed through consensus among the members states, thus the candidates are expected to embark on intensive lobbying for the position.
Ms Mohamed had previously contested for the position in 2013 but lost on a decision made by consensus among member states.
She has extensive experience in international relations, having guided the WTO as Chairperson of all its highest decision-making bodies, including the Ministerial Conference (2015), the General Council (2005), the Dispute Settlement Body (2004) and the Trade Policy Review Body (2004).
The appointment process begins nine months prior to the expiry of the term of an incumbent Director-General with a notification from the Chair to the General Council.
