Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has secured a position on Forbes’ prestigious 100 Most Powerful Women list. In the 20th annual ranking released on Tuesday, the Nigerian economist claimed the 87th spot. South African businesswoman Mpumi Madisa closely followed, securing the 88th position.
Tanzanian President Samia Hassan made a notable debut on the list, clinching the 93rd position, while Nigerian media mogul and philanthropist Mo Abudu earned the 98th spot. Forbes compiled the list using criteria such as financial influence, media presence, impact, and spheres of influence.
Expressing her gratitude, Okonjo-Iweala shared her feelings on X through her official handle, stating, “Feel truly honoured to be named one more time as one of the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the World. This will be the 7th time, starting in 2011. Congratulations to all the women on this list, working hard to make a difference and, to others working hard to change the world even if they are not on the list. Special congratulations to my younger sister, Mo Abudu, great to have two Nigerian women on this list.”
As the seventh Director-General of the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala made history by becoming the first woman and the first African to hold the position, commencing her term on March 1, 2021. Her tenure is set to conclude on August 31, 2025.
