Nigerian Women Shine on Forbes’ World’s Most Powerful Women 2023 List

In a recent release of its esteemed annual list, Forbes Magazine has acknowledged the impactful presence of Nigerian figures Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo’ Abudu, categorizing them among The World’s Most Powerful Women 2023. The list, unveiled earlier in December 2023, considers factors such as money, media, impact, and spheres of influence to determine the women featured.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, with a remarkable career spanning three decades, has served in various capacities, including roles at the World Bank and as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance. Presently, holding the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Okonjo-Iweala advocates for inclusive economic planning that considers women’s unique experiences. Notably, she has been a vocal supporter of measures such as fisheries subsidies in developing countries, emphasizing their positive impact on women’s lives.

Mo’ Abudu, recognized by Forbes as a “media mogul and philanthropist,” has made significant strides in reshaping the Nigerian film industry through her company, Ebony Life Media. Noteworthy productions include “Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman” and “The Wedding Party,” contributing to the elevation of Nollywood on the global stage.

Abudu and Okonjo-Iweala are presently collaborating on a Netflix docu-series titled “Black, Brilliant, and Bold.”

Forbes’ meticulous evaluation considered various criteria, including gross domestic products and populations for political leaders, and revenues, valuations, and employee counts for corporate leaders. Both Okonjo-Iweala and Abudu stand out among the 100 influential women shaping policies, products, and political landscapes globally.

The list also features international luminaries such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and US Vice President Kamala Harris, displaying a diverse assembly of women making significant impacts in their respective fields. The full list can be explored here