- The 2024 Forbes ranking featured a diverse mix of leading women around the world from politics, business, and philanthropy leading the way
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made her eighth appearance in the Forbes’ ranking, placing 89th in 2024
- Mo Abudu, Nigerian media mogul, earned a spot in the Forbes’ 2024 list for the fourth consecutive year
The 2024 Forbes ranking of the world’s most powerful women has shown the dominance of American figures, but two Nigerians, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo Abudu, have equally impressed with their influence and recognition.
Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), earned the 89th spot on this year’s list, marking her eighth appearance. She was first recognised in 2011 and has appeared on the list consistently over the years, including in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, and 2023.
Abudu, other African women Among2024 most powerful
Mo Abudu, the influential media mogul, ranked 97th in 2024, securing her place for the fourth consecutive year. Abudu first appeared on the list in 2021 at 99th, climbed to 91st in 2022, and was ranked 98th in 2023 before landing in 97th this year.
The 2024 list also featured other leading African women, including Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Judith Suminwa Tuluka from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa's Mpumi Madisa.
The World’s 100 most powerful women list by Forbes celebrates those who are making groundbreaking contributions across a variety of fields, from business and politics to entertainment, technology, and philanthropy.
Top 20 most powerful women globally
Here is a look at the top 10 women who ranked highest on the Forbes’ 2024 list of the world’s most powerful women.
1. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission (Belgium)
2. Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank (Germany)
3. Giorgia Meloni, prime minister of Italy (Italy)
4. Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico (Mexico)
5. Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors (United States)
6. Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments (United Stated)
7. Julie Sweet, chairwoman and CEO of Accenture (United States)
8. Melina French Gates, philanthropist (United States)
9. Mackensie Scott, philanthropist (United States)
10. Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup (United States)
Below are the top 20 women featured on the Forbes' 2024 ranking of the world’s most powerful women.
Meet the women leading central banks around the world
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the number of the world’s female central bank governors increased to 29.
However, no woman had been appointed as a substantive governor of the CBN in Nigeria.