Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed delight after being named for the eighth time among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the World—this time also gracing the cover of the 2025 edition.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, Okonjo-Iweala said the recognition reflects not personal achievement alone, but the weight of responsibility that comes with global leadership. “Nice to make (for the eighth time) the Forbes List of the 100 most powerful women of the world 2025 and to be on the cover of the magazine. With power comes responsibility!” she wrote.
The WTO chief emphasized that her focus remains on advancing reforms to strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system—an international framework she insists is crucial for global stability, equity and economic predictability. According to her, the world cannot afford a drift toward disorderly and unilateral approaches to trade, which would leave smaller and less powerful nations bearing the brunt. “We are doing our best to fight for and reform the rules-based multilateral trading system which the world needs to avoid a chaotic approach to world trade that would hurt the smallest and the least powerful countries,” she added.
Okonjo-Iweala also paid tribute to the other women featured on the influential list, describing them as trailblazers in leadership, industry and public service. She extended special congratulations to her African counterparts, including Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Democratic Republic of Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Bidvest CEO Mpumi Madisa, EbonyLife Group chief executive Mo Abudu, and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
Her recognition by Forbes comes at a time when she continues to play a leading role in global economic negotiations, pushing for fairer trade rules, inclusive growth models and stronger support mechanisms for developing nations.
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