Two prominent Nigerian women — Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo Abudu — have been named among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the World for 2025.
The annual ranking, released on Wednesday, December 10, highlights leading women shaping global policy, business, and culture.
Okonjo-Iweala, ranked 92nd, is the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) — the first African and first woman to hold the position since March 2021. Forbes credited her with more than 30 years of experience in economic development across multiple continents.
The former Nigerian Finance Minister also previously chaired Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has immunised over 760 million children worldwide. She oversaw the World Bank’s landmark 2010 fundraising campaign that secured $49.3 billion for low-income countries and continues to play a major role in global climate and pandemic-related initiatives.
Her leadership earned her a second term as WTO Director-General, following her reappointment by member states in late 2024.
Media executive and philanthropist Mo Abudu, founder of EbonyLife Media, appears at No. 98 on the list, recognised for her influence in Africa’s entertainment and creative industries.
Forbes noted that its 2025 ranking reflects the rising impact of women in technology, politics, business, and entertainment. Other African honourees include Mary Vilakazi, CEO of South Africa’s FirstRand Group; Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s first female Prime Minister; Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah; and Mpumi Madisa, CEO of Bidvest.