06/12/2023
Celebrate Dr. Okonjo-Iwela, the Most Powerful Woman in Africa according to Forbes' 2023 ranking released on Tuesday. The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has secured the top spot on the list, surpassing other influential figures in business, entertainment, politics, philanthropy, and policymaking.
Ranked at 87th place in the Most Powerful Women in the world list, Dr. Okonjo-Iwela has surpassed Mpumi Madisa, a South African businesswoman, who occupies the 88th spot. This achievement follows her position at number 91 on Forbes' World's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2022.
With over 30 years of experience in economics and international development, Dr. Okonjo-Iwela has worked across multiple continents, advocating for financial assistance and global trade. Her role as the first woman and first African Director-General of the World Trade Organisation has further strengthened her belief in the power of trade in combating poverty and promoting sustainable development in developing countries.
Notable milestones in her career include serving as Nigeria's Finance Minister for two terms, from 2003-2006 and 2011-2015, and briefly acting as foreign minister in 2006. Additionally, she chaired the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has immunized over 760 million children worldwide.
Let us celebrate and recognize Dr. Okonjo-Iwela for her remarkable achievements and contributions to the global community.