By Erewunmi Peace

In a celebration of global influence and leadership, five African women have earned spots on Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. The prestigious annual ranking highlights women who are shaping business, politics, media, philanthropy, and beyond. These trailblazing African women are making waves not only on the continent but across the world.

The African Powerhouses on the List

1. Judith Suminwa Tuluka (77)
   Position: Prime Minister, Democratic Republic of Congo
   Impact: As the DRC’s first female Prime Minister, Suminwa Tuluka is a symbol of political progress and women’s empowerment in central Africa.
2. Mpumi Madisa (87)
   Position: CEO, Bidvest Group, South Africa
   Impact: Madisa is the first Black woman to lead Bidvest, a major South African industrial and services company, making her a standout figure in corporate leadership on the continent.
3. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (89)
   Position: Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO), Nigeria
   Impact: A global economic leader, Okonjo-Iweala continues to champion inclusive trade policies while advocating for developing economies.
4. Samia Suluhu Hassan (91)
   Position: President, Tanzania
   Impact: As Tanzania’s first female president, Hassan is redefining leadership in East Africa, with her administration focused on diplomacy, gender equity, and regional cooperation.
5. Mo Abudu (97)
   Position: CEO, EbonyLife Media, Nigeria
   Impact: A media mogul and storyteller, Abudu is driving Africa’s cultural narrative globally, collaborating with major international platforms like Netflix and Sony.

Why This Matters

Forbes’ list serves as a global mirror reflecting the shifting dynamics of influence and power. The inclusion of five African women — up from previous years — signals a growing recognition of African leadership on the world stage.

These women stand at the forefront of a new era where African voices are being heard and celebrated in boardrooms, presidential offices, and global trade platforms.

Fact Check: Not Four, But Five

While some media outlets reported that only four African women were listed, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was mistakenly omitted in those reports. The official Forbes rankings confirm that five African women made the 2024 list.

These influential African women are not just on a list — they’re leading change. Their recognition by Forbes reinforces the continent’s potential and the role of women in shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and influential Africa.