African women continue to rise as global leaders, shattering barriers and redefining power and influence across various fields. The inclusion of Samia Suluhu Hassan, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Judith Suminwa, Mpumi Madisa, and Mo Abudu in Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women is a testament to their resilience, vision, and transformative leadership.

These remarkable women embody the potential of African excellence, showcasing how determination and innovation can break through systemic limitations. Their achievements inspire pride and highlight the contributions of African women on the world stage, proving that greatness knows no bounds.

In December 2024, Forbes recognized five African women among the world’s most powerful, highlighting their significant contributions across politics, business, and media.

Judith Suminwa Tuluka (Global Rank: 77)

Judith Suminwa Tuluka, 57, made history in April 2024 as the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first female Prime Minister, appointed by President Felix Tshisekedi following his re-election. Before her premiership, she coordinated the ‘Peacebuilding and Strengthening Democracy’ pillar for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), focusing on the conflict-prone eastern Congo. Her leadership emphasizes hope and empowerment for women in the DRC.

Mpumi Madisa (Global Rank: 87)

Mpumi Madisa, 45, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Bidvest, a leading South African services and distribution company with nearly 130,000 employees and a market capitalization of $5.3 billion. In 2020, she became the first Black female CEO of a top-40 company on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Madisa’s leadership is marked by strategic growth and sustainability, influencing the corporate landscape across the continent.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Global Rank: 89)

Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, 70, was reappointed for a second term as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in November 2024. She initially made history in March 2021 as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO. Previously, she served two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and briefly as Foreign Affairs Minister. Her tenure at the WTO focuses on equitable trade policies and amplifying the voices of developing nations.

Samia Suluhu Hassan (Global Rank: 91)

Samia Suluhu Hassan, 64, became Tanzania’s first female President in March 2021, succeeding the late President John Magufuli. Her administration prioritizes education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. In September 2021, she became the fifth female African leader to address the UN General Assembly, underscoring her role in international diplomacy.

Mo Abudu (Global Rank: 97)

Mo Abudu, 60, is a Nigerian media mogul and the founder of Ebonylife TV, launched in 2006. The network broadcasts in over 49 countries across Africa, the UK, and the Caribbean. Abudu’s company secured a groundbreaking multi-title film and TV agreement with Netflix, marking the first such deal for an African media company. Her work has been instrumental in bringing African narratives to a global audience.

These women’s achievements reflect the growing influence and leadership of African women on the global stage.

The lives of these extraordinary women serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women everywhere, particularly in Africa. Their journeys remind us that courage, ambition, and a commitment to purpose can overcome the most daunting challenges.

From leading nations and global organizations to reshaping media narratives and corporate landscapes, they demonstrate that women can thrive in positions of power and influence. By setting bold examples, they encourage the next generation of women to dream bigger, push boundaries, and redefine what is possible.