Forbes has declared Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, as the most powerful woman in Africa, securing the 87th position globally in its 20th annual ranking released on Tuesday.
This comprehensive list encompasses influential figures from diverse sectors, featuring CEOs, entertainers, politicians, philanthropists, and policymakers.
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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Emerges Powerful Woman.
In the global ranking of the Most Powerful Women, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala holds the 87th spot, closely followed by South African businesswoman Mpumi Madisa at 88th, Tanzanian President Samia Hassan at 93rd, and Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu at 98th.
Forbes identified Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, as the most powerful woman globally for 2023. Christine Lagarde, the European Central Bank President, secured the second position, with U.S.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni claiming the third and fourth spots, respectively.
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Notably, Okonjo-Iweala’s rise in the rankings is attributed to her instrumental role in providing financial assistance and promoting global trade, as evidenced in the 2022 ranking where she held the 91st position.
With over 30 years of experience as an economist and international development professional across continents, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made history in March 2021 as the first woman and the first African to assume the role of Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
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Her extensive career includes serving as Nigeria’s Finance Minister in two distinct periods (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and a brief stint as the country’s foreign minister in 2006. Okonjo-Iweala’s achievements underscore her remarkable contributions to both the African and global arenas.
