The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the CEO of EbonyLife Group, Mo Abudu, have once again earned spots on Forbes’ prestigious list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World.
In the 2024 rankings, Okonjo-Iweala is placed at 89, marking her eighth appearance on the list. Mo Abudu occupies the 97th position, celebrating her fourth consecutive inclusion.
Okonjo-Iweala’s Global Influence
Okonjo-Iweala, recently re-elected as the WTO’s Director-General, continues to shape global trade policies, making her one of the most influential women on the global stage. Her leadership at the WTO remains a beacon of hope for advancing global economic cooperation and inclusivity.
Mo Abudu’s Reaction
Expressing her excitement, Mo Abudu stated:
“I am deeply humbled to feature once again on the Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list. It is an incredible honor to represent the media and entertainment sector, to stand as a proud Black woman, and to fly the flag for Nigeria and Africa on this prestigious global platform.”
She extended her congratulations to her fellow honorees and applauded Okonjo-Iweala for her consistent brilliance and leadership, describing her as an inspiration to women worldwide. Abudu also highlighted the importance of representation, emphasizing that the recognition of women of color and those from developing nations encourages others to break barriers.
Forbes’ Perspective
This year’s list reflects the achievements of women defying challenges to make progress across various fields. Forbes spotlighted individuals like Malina Ngai, who now leads AS Watson as Group CEO, and Melinda French Gates, who has pledged $1 billion to advance women’s power globally.
The publication also underscored the growing influence of women leaders, including Claudia Sheinbaum, who made history by winning the Mexican presidency in June.
While discussing gender representation, Forbes highlighted a study showing that women leaders are less likely to emphasize their leadership and negotiation skills compared to their male counterparts, even on platforms like LinkedIn.
A Celebration of Global Progress
Okonjo-Iweala and Abudu’s inclusion on the list not only celebrates their personal achievements but also underscores the growing influence of African women on the global stage. Their accomplishments serve as a source of inspiration for future generations, proving that women can excel across diverse sectors and regions.
This recognition reinforces their roles as trailblazers who continue to pave the way for others, while shining a spotlight on Africa’s contributions to global progress.
About the Author
