Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has been featured in Forbes’ prestigious list of the “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” for 2023. The renowned international business magazine unveiled its annual compilation of influential women, placing Okonjo-Iweala at the 87th spot. This marks her second consecutive appearance on the Forbes list, having been ranked at number 91 in 2022.
With over 30 years of experience as an economist and international development professional, Okonjo-Iweala has worked across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America. In March 2021, she made history as the first woman and African to assume the position of Director-General of the WTO. Her leadership at the WTO has garnered praise for addressing various global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, and the resurgence of trade protectionism.
Okonjo-Iweala has consistently advocated for leveraging trade to uplift developing countries out of poverty and facilitate sustainable development. Earlier in her career, she served two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003-2006 and 2011–2015) and briefly acted as Foreign Minister in 2006.
Securing the 87th position on Forbes’ list, Okonjo-Iweala outpaced other notable African women, including South African businesswoman Mpumi Madisa, Tanzanian President Samia Hassan, and Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu.
For the year 2023, the title of the most powerful woman in the world was bestowed upon Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. Christine Lagarde, the President of the European Central Bank, claimed the second position, followed by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in the third spot, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni securing the fourth position.
