Nigeria's WTO nominee says has "strong support" from Africa

* WTO has never been led by an African or by a woman before
* Okonjo-Iweala says WTO challenges "not insoluble"
* Stresses need for reform, including of appeals court

By Emma Farge
GENEVA, June 30 (Reuters) - Nigeria's candidate to head the
World Trade Organization (WTO) said she feels "strong support"
from Africa and expects African leaders to unite behind one
candidate as sources following the race said she is gaining
broader backing.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance and foreign minister
who has more than 25 years experience at the World Bank, is
seeking to replace Brazil's Roberto Azevedo who announced last
month he would step down on Aug. 31, in a surprise move at a
critical juncture for the body. Africa has struggled in the past to unite behind one
candidate and the Geneva-based watchdog has never been led by
someone from the continent before, nor by a woman, and there is
broad feeling it is Africa's turn.
"I cannot presume for any group but I can tell you that I
feel strong support from the region," she told Reuters late on
Monday, saying she was having "very constructive conversations"
among the 164 members.
One delegate described her as "definitely the favourite",
especially since European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan dropped
out, and likely to be acceptable to China and the United States.
Egypt's Hamid Mamdouh, a former WTO official, is also a
candidate and was endorsed by the African Union months ago,
before Okonjo-Iweala's candidacy was announced.
For a Factbox of candidates, click here: The new head's in-tray includes overseeing reforms,
clinching a long-overdue multilateral trade deal, coping with a
post-COVID recession as well as growing protectionism and
U.S.-China trade tensions.
"The problems are very deep and challenging but they are not
insoluble," she said, stressing the need for reform including of
the body's top court which is a priority for Washington.
Critics say she does not have enough direct trade experience
but she says being an outsider is an advantage. Backers laud her
negotiating skills, including a deal to cancel billions of
dollars of Nigerian debt.
"Over my long career I've managed to build relationships and
platforms at levels high enough to be able to dialogue with the
right people," she said.
Nominations are open until July 8 at the WTO, which
traditionally chooses a chief by consensus.