Forbes 100 most powerful women 2025 list celebrates global and African female leaders shaping trade, business, and governance worldwide

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has celebrated her positive Forbes 2025 recognition after being named among the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World for the eighth time and appearing on the magazine’s cover.

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In her statement, she underlined the responsibilities that accompany such recognition, emphasising efforts to reform the rules-based multilateral trading system to prevent chaotic approaches that could harm smaller and less powerful nations.

The annual list also recognises notable African women making significant global impact. They include Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia; Judith Suminwa, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Mpumi Madisa, Chief Executive Officer of Bidvest; Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Group; and Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.

The recognition underscores the increasing influence of African women in international leadership, highlighting their roles in policymaking, corporate governance, and advocacy.

Forbes’ ranking seeks to celebrate women whose decisions and leadership shape global industries and societies, reflecting both power and responsibility.

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The inclusion of these leaders reinforces the growing global acknowledgment of women driving change, promoting economic inclusion, and advancing governance reforms in their respective spheres.