Faith Nyasuguta
Forbes has released its highly anticipated 21st annual list of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, celebrating influential female leaders across business, politics, entertainment, philanthropy, and policy-making. This year, five exceptional African women secured their place on the prestigious list, showcasing their immense impact in transforming industries, breaking barriers, and shaping society.
The Forbes list, a symbol of global recognition, highlights women who use their resources, expertise, and voices to drive meaningful change. The concept of a “powerful woman” has evolved in modern times, transcending traditional markers like wealth or social status. Today, true power is reflected through leadership, resilience, and the ability to create positive change, not only in one’s community but across the world.
Moira Forbes, Executive Vice President of Forbes, commented on the honorees: “From finance and technology to policy and culture, these women are driving transformation where industries and economies are being reinvented, proving their collective impact has never been greater.”
While the inclusion of these five remarkable women highlights their profound contributions, it also underscores the ongoing need to amplify and support female leadership across the African continent. Here are the African women who made it to the 2024 Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women list:
Judith Suminwa Tuluka 🇨🇩
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s first female Prime Minister. Formerly a banking professional and a UNDP coordinator for Peacebuilding and Strengthening Democracy, Suminwa Tuluka’s rise to leadership marks a historic milestone in Congolese politics.
Mpumi Madisa
As CEO of Bidvest, Mpumi Madisa is the only Black female CEO of a top-40 company on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Since joining Bidvest in 2003, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving on 16 subsidiary boards.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
An economist and international development expert, Okonjo-Iweala made history in 2021 as the first African and the first woman to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Samia Suluhu Hassan
Tanzania’s first female president, who assumed office in 2021 after serving as vice president. Suluhu Hassan continues to break barriers as one of Africa’s most influential political leaders.
Mo Abudu
A pioneering Nigerian media mogul, Mo Abudu is the founder of EbonyLife TV, a platform broadcasting in 49 countries. She has secured major partnerships with global giants such as Netflix, Sony, and AMC Networks.
| Rank | Global Rank | Name | Country | Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 77 | Judith Suminwa Tuluka | DR Congo | Prime Minister |
| 2 | 87 | Mpumi Madisa | South Africa | CEO, Bidvest |
| 3 | 89 | Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala | Nigeria | DG, World Trade Organization |
| 4 | 91 | Samia Suluhu Hassan | Tanzania | President |
| 5 | 97 | Mo Abudu | Nigeria | Founder, Ebonylife TV |
The recognition of these five African powerhouses on Forbes’ list reflects their unwavering determination, leadership, and influence in reshaping their fields and inspiring the next generation of women leaders. While their success is a cause for celebration, it also highlights the need to further empower and uplift women across Africa to ensure broader representation and transformative impact.
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