Nigerian Women Named Among Forbes 100 Most Powerful

Two Nigerian women, Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala and Mo Abudu, have been named among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the World for 2025. The list, published on the magazine’s website, recognizes women who wield significant influence in business, politics, culture and global leadership.

Okonjo‑Iweala, ranked 92nd, is the Director‑General of the World Trade Organization, a position she has held since March 2021. She is the first woman and the first African to lead the organization. A seasoned economist and international‑development professional, she brings more than 30 years of experience across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America. Her previous roles include serving as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and, briefly, as Foreign Minister. She also chaired the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has immunised over 760 million children worldwide. Okonjo‑Iweala holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Mo Abudu, ranked 98th, is a media entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded EbonyLife Media. She launched EbonyLife TV in 2006; the channel now airs in over 49 countries, including the UK and the Caribbean. Abudu has secured major partnership deals with Sony Pictures Television, AMC Networks and Netflix, making EbonyLife the first African media company to sign a multi‑title film and TV agreement with the streaming giant.

The Forbes list also highlights the growing influence of women in technology and artificial intelligence, featuring figures such as Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, and Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet. Other notable women include Daniela Amodei, co‑founder and president of Anthropic, and Sarah Friar, CFO of OpenAI.

The recognition of Okonjo‑Iweala and Abudu reflects the increasing impact of Nigerian women in global trade and media. Their inclusion demonstrates the significant contributions women are making across economics, politics, entertainment and technology. As women continue to break down barriers and push boundaries, their influence is likely to grow, shaping the global landscape in meaningful ways. The list serves as a testament to the power of women’s leadership and their ability to drive positive change worldwide.