Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Date of Birth: June 13, 1954

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Biography

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a globally renowned Nigerian economist and international development expert. She was born on June 13, 1954, in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State, Nigeria. She has had a distinguished career, serving twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and once as Foreign Minister, the first woman to hold either position. Okonjo-Iweala is known for her efforts in implementing economic reforms that stabilized Nigeria’s economy and her role in negotiating debt relief which led to the cancellation of $30 billion of Nigeria’s debt in 2005. Okonjo-Iweala’s academic background is impressive; she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Regional Economics and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She has worked for the World Bank for 25 years, rising to the position of managing director, the second-highest position in the institution. In March 2021, Okonjo-Iweala made history by becoming the first woman and the first African to be appointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Her leadership has been pivotal in navigating global trade challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5 Interesting Facts about Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

1. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and the first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO).

2. She was twice named Nigeria’s Finance Minister, during which she implemented significant economic reforms.

3. Okonjo-Iweala was instrumental in securing a $30 billion debt relief for Nigeria in 2005.

4. She has been listed among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women several times.

5. She authored the book “Reforming the Unreformable,” detailing her experiences and strategies in transforming Nigeria’s economy.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

1. “Corruption is everywhere, but the way you tackle it is what makes the difference.”

2. “If you do the best you can and if you do what you think is right, you can live with yourself.”

3. “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant.”

4. “Africa is not a country, but it has the potential of becoming the world’s next big growth market.”

5. “Leadership is not about the next election, it’s about the next generation.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has four children. They include: 1. Onyinye Iweala, a medical doctor. 2. Uzodinma Iweala, an author and filmmaker renowned for his book “Beasts of No Nation.” 3. Additional children are not as publicly known, but she has spoken about the importance of family in her life.