In a milestone that underscores her growing global influence, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO), has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship of Lucy Cavendish College at Cambridge University, one of the institution’s most prestigious distinctions.
The recognition makes her the first Nigerian to hold more than 25 international honorary awards, a feat that cements her legacy as one of the most decorated Africans in modern history.
Okonjo-Iweala, who has spent decades shaping economic reform, international trade policy, and global development, has long been regarded as a “woman of firsts.” She was Nigeria’s first female Finance Minister and later the first African and first woman to lead the WTO.
By bestowing the Honorary Fellowship, Cambridge joins a long list of global institutions, including Harvard, Yale, and the London School of Economics, that have recognized her extraordinary contributions.
“This Fellowship is not just about celebrating an individual’s career; it is about acknowledging the power of resilience, intellect, and leadership in shaping a fairer world,” said a senior Cambridge official during the announcement.
Lucy Cavendish College, one of the most progressive colleges within Cambridge, awards Honorary Fellowships to individuals who have broken barriers and made lasting contributions to society. In honoring Okonjo-Iweala, the College highlighted her work in reforming Nigeria’s economy, leading global trade negotiations, and championing inclusive growth for developing nations.
Her latest recognition comes at a time when Africa’s role in the global economy is expanding, with Okonjo-Iweala serving as a powerful voice for trade equity, climate finance, and debt relief for poorer nations.
With over 25 honorary awards, Okonjo-Iweala stands in rare company among global leaders. She has received Doctorates and Fellowships from some of the world’s most renowned universities, alongside accolades from international bodies such as the United Nations, Forbes, and TIME Magazine.
In 2021, she was listed amongst TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, and in 2022, Forbes named her amongst the world’s most powerful women.
“Each recognition reminds me that the journey is not just about personal achievement but about opening doors for others; especially young Africans who dream of impacting the world,” Okonjo-Iweala once remarked in a lecture at Harvard.
For many Nigerians, her historic feat offers a source of national pride and inspiration. Social commentators have praised her as a symbol of resilience in a society where women’s achievements often go under-acknowledged.
“She continues to prove that excellence has no boundaries,” said Dr. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General. “For young women in Africa, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala represents what is possible.”
Despite her laurels, Okonjo-Iweala has shown no sign of slowing down. At the WTO, she continues to champion reform of the global trading system, pushing for fairer rules that accommodate developing countries. She has also emerged as a leading voice in climate change financing, urging wealthier nations to fulfill their commitments to vulnerable economies.
Her Honorary Fellowship at Cambridge is not only a recognition of past achievements but also a nod to her continuing role as one of the world’s most influential leaders.
As one Nigerian commentator noted on social media: “From the dusty classrooms of Ibadan to the hallowed halls of Cambridge, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has shown the world what a determined Nigerian woman can achieve.”
