Nigeria’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has once again earned global recognition as she celebrates her eighth appearance on Forbes’ 100 World’s Most Powerful Women list for 2025 — a milestone that underscores her sustained influence on the global economic stage.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), who has become a symbol of principled leadership and international competence, marked the achievement with a message of gratitude and reflection. She highlighted the weight of her role at the WTO and the ongoing work to strengthen global trade systems at a time when many economies are grappling with uncertainty.
Okonjo-Iweala’s repeated inclusion on the list places her among a select group of women consistently shaping policy, driving economic transformation, and setting standards for leadership across continents. Her tenure at the WTO has been defined by efforts to expand inclusive trade, support developing nations, and push for reforms that make the global trading system more equitable.
The former Nigerian finance minister remains one of Africa’s most decorated public figures, and her global standing continues to be a source of pride across the continent. As accolades pour in, observers note that her leadership journey—spanning decades of public service, economic reform, and multilateral diplomacy—continues to inspire a new generation of Africans.
For Okonjo-Iweala, the recognition is both an honour and a reminder: the work of building fairer global systems is far from over.
