Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and media mogul Mo Abudu have once again been recognized in Forbes’ annual 100 Most Powerful Women in the World list, solidifying their status as global powerhouses.

Okonjo-Iweala ranks 89th on the prestigious list, marking her eighth appearance. She was previously featured in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, and 2023.

Abudu, who ranked 97th, celebrated her fourth consecutive year on the list.

The founder of EbonyLife Media expressed her gratitude and pride, saying, “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 congratulations to her fellow honorees, particularly Okonjo-Iweala, stating, “A huge congratulations to all the phenomenal women on this list! A special shoutout to my dearest sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose unwavering brilliance and leadership inspire us all year after year.”

Abudu highlighted the significance of global recognition for women of color and those from developing nations. “Representation matters. When we see women of color, women from developing nations, and women breaking barriers in all industries recognized on a global stage, it reminds us of what’s possible. It’s a call to action for us to continue breaking ceilings, forging paths, and lifting others along the way,” she noted.

She also expressed appreciation to Forbes, saying, “Thank you, Forbes, for celebrating the power, resilience, and impact of women worldwide. Here’s to more women rising and rewriting the narrative.”

Abudu first appeared on the list in 2021 at 99th place. She climbed to 91st in 2022 and was ranked 98th in 2023 before making this year’s list at 97th.

Other Africans on the 2024 list include Judith Suminwa Tuluka from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mpumi Madisa from South Africa, and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list celebrates trailblazing individuals making transformative impacts across business, politics, entertainment, and technology.

Below is the top 10 women who topped the list of the 2024 most powerful women in the world.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission
Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank
Giorgia Meloni, prime minister of Italy
Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico
Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors
Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments
Julie Sweet, chairwoman and CEO of Accenture
Melina French Gates, philanthropist
Mackenzie Scott, philanthropist
Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup

See list of 11-100 here.

[Vanguard]