Nigerian trailblazers Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the esteemed Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and media mogul Mosunmola Abudu stand alongside Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the African women gracing Forbes’ prestigious list of the World’s Most Powerful 100 Women.

The three women are not only making a significant impact on their home continent but also redefining global leadership.

To determine the 2023 Power List, Forbes considered four key metrics: money, media, impact, and spheres of influence. For political leaders, GDP and population were crucial factors, while corporate chiefs were evaluated based on revenues, valuations, and employee counts. Media mentions and social reach were analyzed for all potential candidates. The resulting list showcases 100 women who are shaping the policies, products, and political landscape of our world.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, an esteemed economist and international development professional with over three decades of experience, assumed the helm of the World Trade Organization (WTO) at a pivotal juncture, navigating the organization through the complexities of trade protectionism and the global pandemic. She holds the distinction of being the first woman and the first African to hold this prestigious position.

Prior to her appointment as WTO Director-General in March 2021, Okonjo-Iweala had served two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, demonstrating her expertise in economic policy and governance. She also held the position of Foreign Minister for a brief period. Her unwavering belief in the transformative power of trade to eradicate poverty and foster sustainable development in developing nations serves as the cornerstone of her leadership.

With over three decades of experience spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America, Okonjo-Iweala is a seasoned economist and international development expert. In a historic milestone, she became the WTO’s first female and first African Director-General in March 2021.