Geneva — The US has given its formal backing to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), removing the final obstacle to her bid to be the first woman and the first African to run the Geneva-based trade body.

“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala brings a wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy,” the office of the US trade representative said on Friday. “She is widely respected for her effective leadership and has proven experience managing a large international organisation with a diverse membership.”..