Kenya minister for sports and culture Amina Mohamed will run to be the next Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) said WTO on Wednesday.
The WTO announced on its website that Ms Mohamed’s candidature was submitted on July 7 by the Kenyan government. She is seeking to replace Brazilian Robert Azevêdo.
“For Amina Mohamed, yes, we can confirm that we received her nomination from Kenya late yesterday,” a WTO official said.
Ms Mohamed will contest against five other candidates, including two from Africa, to secure the seat that eluded her seven years ago.
The WTO said the six candidates will now meet with the General Council for an opportunity to make pitches and respond to questions.
Ms Mohamed had contested against Mr Azevêdo in 2013 but lost on a decision made by consensus among member states.
The Geneva-based body is seeking a replacement for Brazil’s Roberto Azevedo who is stepping down a year early at the end of August at a critical juncture for the trade watchdog.
The director-general of the WTO is appointed through consensus, meaning candidates will have to do lots of horse-trading ahead of the decision on August 31.
