Forbes has recognized Nigerian trailblazers, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo Abudu on its 2025 ranking of the 100 World’s Most Powerful Women, highlighting their growing global influence in trade, governance, and media.
The annual list celebrates women shaping decision-making across business, politics, culture, and international leadership, featuring figures such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Japan’s first female prime minister Sanae Takaichi, and Namibia’s Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Okonjo-Iweala, positioned at No. 92, currently heads the World Trade Organization, becoming both the first woman and first African to lead the institution since her appointment in March 2021.
Forbes describes her as “an economist and international development professional” with more than 30 years of experience across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
She previously served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and briefly as Foreign Affairs Minister, and chaired the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has vaccinated more than 760 million children worldwide.
A Harvard graduate with a PhD from MIT, the 71-year-old is celebrated for using trade to drive inclusive growth and lift developing nations out of poverty.
Mo Abudu, ranked No. 98, is a media executive, philanthropist, and founder of EbonyLife Media. Since launching EbonyLife TV in 2006, the network has expanded to over 49 countries, including the UK and the Caribbean.
Forbes credits her with securing strategic partnerships with Sony Pictures Television, AMC Networks, and Netflix, making EbonyLife the first African studio to sign a multi-title deal with the streaming giant.
In November 2025, she strengthened her digital footprint with the launch of EbonyLife ON Plus, a new streaming app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Born in London and partly raised in Nigeria, Abudu is hailed as “one of the most influential women in global media,” known for bringing African stories to international audiences.
The 2025 Forbes list also highlights the rise of women in technology and artificial intelligence, featuring leaders like AMD CEO Lisa Su, Microsoft CFO Amy Hood, and Alphabet President and CIO Ruth Porat. Entertainment and entrepreneurship are represented by figures including Anthropic co-founder Daniela Amodei and reality star Kim Kardashian.
This year’s ranking reflects the expanding global reach of women across industries, redefining leadership, innovation, and cultural influence worldwide.
