Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala quotes

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian economist and international development expert, widely recognized for her work as Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Her leadership roles at the World Bank and in Nigeria's government have made her a prominent global figure in economic policy. She continues to advocate for equitable economic growth and trade reforms around the world. Here are 15 of her quotes:

I believe that when you find problems, you should also find solutions.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Nigeria, with the oil sector, had the reputation of being corrupt and not managing its own public finances well. So what did we try to do? We introduced a fiscal rule that de-linked our budget from the oil price.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

I can take hardship. I can sleep on the cold floor anytime. I can also sleep on a feather bed.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

I felt Nigeria didn't have to succumb to the image of being a corrupt country; we didn't have to let the economy stagnate.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

No one can fight corruption for Nigerians except Nigerians. Everyone has to be committed from the top to the bottom to fight it.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

If we save people from HIV/AIDS, if we save them from malaria, it means they can form the base of production for our economy.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The U.K. and the U.S. could not have been built today without Africa's aid. It is all the resources that were taken from Africa, including human, that built these countries today! So when they try to give back, we shouldn't be on the defensive.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Investing in women is smart economics, and investing in girls, catching them upstream, is even smarter economics.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Educating our young girls is the foundation for Nigerias growth and development.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Women account for about 70% of Africa's food production and manage a large proportion of small enterprises. They are also increasingly represented in legislative and executive leadership positions.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

I'm told I'm like my father, and he was the most wonderful man. But I think he was gentler than me.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

My parents lost everything, all their savings, because we had to run from the Nigerian side to the Biafran side. We were Igbos.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The best way to help Africans today is to help them to stand on their own feet. And the best way to do that is by helping create jobs.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala