Why?

Well, because she has been put forward as one of the candidates for the Presidency of The World Bank. Whilst she is certainly an outside bet for the post, she has received endorsements from developing nations, economists, and some in the international press. 

What exactly is The World Bank? 

Set up in 1944, The World Bank is made up of 187 member countries.  It is an institution that distributes money with a mission statement to “help reduce poverty”.

Why is it significant that she has been nominated?

Her nomination has stirred up quite a debate- the role traditionally goes to the US nominated candidate, but Okonjo-Iweala's candidacy has called into question the transparency and fairness of the selection process. As a world renowned Harvard-educated economist, she has twice been Nigeria’s finance minister, as well as spending 22 years at The World Bank-several of these as one of it's Managing Directors. 

Barack Obama has nominated Dartmouth President Dr. Jim Yong Kim- Kim is a widely respected figure with decades of experience working to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems in public health. However, as a physician rather than an economist some are now saying that Okonjo-Iweala is the stronger candidate.

What Africa says:

“The African Union Commission, on behalf of African countries, is pleased to endorse Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela’s candidacy in the strongest possible terms” 

What the papers say….

“As a respected economist, diplomat and former World Bank managing director, she offers many conventional qualities of bank presidents. But she breaks the mould as a woman from an African country where she fought to reduce the country’s debt, gain greater access to international credit markets and battle corruption.” The New York Times

"Victory for the Nigerian would shatter the near 70-year duopoly of the World Bank and IMF enjoyed by America and Europe respectively...It would also be a defining moment for Africa...now enjoying a renaissance with six of the world's 10 fastest growing economies.” The Guardian

 “May the best woman win.” The Economist

What she says?

She made a statement on her Facebook page saying “I am honoured by my nomination and the support of multiple African Nations to make the World Bank more representative of the people it serves. As an employee of the Bank for 22 years, I know of its commitment to improving the lives of those in developing world. It is that passion that inspires me to do the most I can for Nigeria as the Minister of Finance.”

"You know this thing is not really being decided on merit...It is voting with political weight and shares and therefore the United States will get it."

You can also follow Dr Okonjo-Iwela on twitter @NOweala