Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo Abudu have been named among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women for 2025.
The recognition spotlighted their influence in global trade, media, and philanthropy.
The list, unveiled on Forbes’ website on Wednesday, celebrates women who demonstrate resilience and leadership across politics, culture, business, and entertainment.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, topped the list, followed by Christine Lagarde of the European Central Bank.
Other leading names on the list include Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi; Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni; Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum; and Accenture’s Chair and CEO, Julie Sweet.
Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), secured the 92nd spot, while Abudu, founder of EbonyLife Media, landed at 98th.
This marks Okonjo-Iweala’s ninth appearance on the list, having previously been recognised in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Okonjo-Iweala, 71, continues to break barriers as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, a role she assumed in March 2021.
A Harvard graduate with a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the renowned economist has long championed trade as a tool for poverty alleviation and sustainable development in emerging economies.
During her tenure, she has navigated complex global trade disputes, including those exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions in 2025.
“Her belief in inclusive economic policies has positioned her as a pivotal voice for the Global South,” Forbes noted in its profile.
Her prior roles as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003–2006 and 2011–2015) and interim Foreign Minister in 2006 further cement her legacy in public service.
Mo Abudu, 60, earned her fourth consecutive nod on the list, reflecting her transformative work in African media and storytelling.
As CEO of EbonyLife Group, Abudu has elevated Nollywood on the world stage through acclaimed productions like The Wedding Party and Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman.
EbonyLife TV, launched in 2006, now broadcasts in over 49 countries, including the UK and the Caribbean, propagating narratives that amplify Black voices.
In November, Abudu expanded her empire with the launch of EbonyLife ON Plus, a digital streaming platform available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, aimed at delivering premium African content to a global audience.
Born in London and raised partly in Nigeria, Abudu blends her UK-Nigerian heritage into her philanthropy, which includes initiatives for education and women’s empowerment.
