Forbes’ 2023 ranking on Tuesday acknowledged Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela as the Most Powerful Woman in Africa.

Okonjo-Iwela, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, holds the top spot for African women on the Forbes and the recognition highlights her influence and achievements in politics and policy sector across the world.

According to the 20th annual ranking, Okonjo-Iweala, a prominent Nigerian, is positioned at 87th place in the Most Powerful Women in the World list, surpassing Mpumi Madisa, a South African businesswoman at 88th. Tanzanian President, Samia Hassan also joined the list at the 93rd spot.

Notably, Okonjo-Iwela is an economist and international development professional with more than 30 years of experience working in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America.

In March 2021, she became the first woman and the first African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

Okonjo-Iwela has been a prominent figure in shaping global economic policies and promoting global trade.

Also joining Okonjo-Iwela on the Forbes list is Nigerian media mogul and philanthropist Mo Abudu, who secured the 98th spot.

Other women featured in the list include Beyoncé, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, and Kamala Harris.

In 2020, Okonjo-Iwela was also named Forbes’ ‘African woman of the year’.