Nigerian women make Forbes’ World’s Most Powerful Women 2023 list

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo’ Abudu are the only Nigerian women on Forbes Magazine‘s list of the World’s Most Powerful Women in 2023.

The list was included in the business trade publication on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

The magazine claims that the women on the list were chosen based on “money, media, impact, and spheres of influence.”

Forbes says:

“For political leaders, we weighed gross domestic products and populations; for corporate chiefs, revenues, valuations and employee counts were critical. Media mentions and social reach were analysed for all. The result: 100 women who are shaping the policies, products and political fights that define our world.”

Okonjo-Iweala has worked for the World Bank, Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

She has been vocal about how economies can become more inclusive when women’s unique experiences are considered in economic planning.

As WTO Director-General, she has advocated for fisheries subsidies, particularly in developing countries, which she claims will have a significant impact on women’s lives.

The magazine describes Abudu as a “media mogul and philanthropist.” She has been able to change the game in Nollywood as the founder of Ebony Life Media, with a slate of films that includes Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman, and The Wedding Party.

Abudu and Okonjo-Iweala are currently working on a Netflix docuseries called Black, Brilliant, and Bold.

Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and US Vice President Kamala Harris are also on the list.

See the full list here.