In its annual ranking of the world’s most influential women, Forbes has named Judith Suminwa, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as Africa’s most powerful woman in 2024. Suminwa, 57, made history in April 2024 when she was appointed the DRC’s first female prime minister by President Felix Tshisekedi, following his re-election. She secured the 77th spot on Forbes’ global list, which evaluates women based on financial power, media presence, impact, and spheres of influence.
Speaking about the achievement, Suminwa shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), “Being ranked 77th globally is not just a personal honor but a symbol of hope for every young girl and woman in the DRC. Let us continue striving for a future where every woman, in the DRC and everywhere, can fully realize her potential.”
Before entering politics, Suminwa served as the coordinator of the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) Peacebuilding and Democracy initiative, focusing on the volatile eastern region of Congo.
Following closely in the rankings is Mpumi Madisa, a 45-year-old South African business leader, who has been named the second most powerful woman in Africa. Madisa, CEO of Bidvest, a South African multinational company with nearly 130,000 employees, was ranked 87th globally. She made history in 2020 when she became the first Black female CEO of a top-40 company on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Under her leadership, Bidvest’s market cap has reached $5.3 billion, and she now oversees 16 subsidiary companies.
Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, 70, claimed the third spot in Africa and was reappointed in November 2024 for a second term as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Okonjo-Iweala made history as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO in 2021. Her tenure as Nigeria’s finance minister in the early 2000s, alongside her brief role as foreign affairs minister, positioned her as a key figure in global economic circles.
Tanzania’s first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, 64, was ranked fourth in Africa and 91st globally. After assuming the presidency in March 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli, Suluhu Hassan has worked to steer the country through political and economic challenges. Her address to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2021 made her only the fifth African woman to speak at the prestigious forum.
Completing the top five is Mo Abudu, a 60-year-old Nigerian media mogul who founded Ebonylife TV, the network that has grown to reach 49 countries across Africa, the UK, and the Caribbean. Abudu’s company made history by signing a multi-title agreement with Netflix, the first of its kind between an African media company and the global streaming giant. Abudu was ranked 97th on the global list, cementing her status as one of the most influential women in media.
These five women are shaping Africa’s future across politics, business, and media, and their achievements continue to inspire women and girls across the continent. As Africa’s most powerful women, they are leading the charge for greater inclusion, empowerment, and progress in a rapidly changing world.