Six African Women Break Barriers in Forbes 2025 Power List

Forbes has released its 2025 rankings of the world’s 100 most powerful women, spotlighting leaders who continue to push through global setbacks that have disproportionately affected women. The list arrives during a year when nearly 500,000 women in the United States left the workforce between January and October, marking one of the steepest declines recorded. Studies by McKinsey and Lean In show that only 54 percent of companies now prioritise promoting women into leadership roles compared to 90 percent four years ago. The UN has also raised alarms about growing online sexism affecting women in professional spaces.

Despite these challenges, several African women have risen to top global positions, shaping politics, finance, media, and multilateral affairs. Forbes identified six African leaders whose influence extends across industries and borders.

Mary Vilakazi – South Africa

Mary Vilakazi is one of South Africa’s most prominent financial executives. She began her career at PwC, becoming one of the youngest partners at 27. She later served as CFO of the Mineral Services Group before joining FirstRand in 2018 as Group COO. On 1 April 2024, she became the first woman and first Black woman to lead FirstRand Group, South Africa’s largest financial‑services institution by market value.

Judith Suminwa Tuluka – Democratic Republic of Congo

Judith Suminwa Tuluka became the first female Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo in June 2024. Formerly with the UNDP and known for her background in economics and public finance, she previously served as Minister of State and Planning. Her expertise includes budgeting, programme evaluation, and national coordination.

Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah – Namibia

Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president on 21 March 2025. The veteran politician and former Vice President has held significant roles, including minister of foreign affairs and environment. Since taking office, she has moved to stabilise national policies and reduce public debt.

Mpumi Madisa – South Africa

Mpumi Madisa is the first Black woman to lead a top‑40 company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. She became CEO of Bidvest in October 2020 after progressing through roles in sales, marketing, and corporate affairs. Under her leadership, the company restored profitability, expanded internationally, and manages around 130,000 employees.

Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala – Nigeria

Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, a globally recognised economist, is currently serving her second term as Director General of the World Trade Organization. She previously chaired Gavi, co chaired the Global Commission on Economy and Climate, and held senior roles at the World Bank. She became the first woman and first African to lead the WTO on 1 March 2021.

Mo Abudu – Nigeria

Mo Abudu, founder of EbonyLife Media, remains one of Africa’s most influential cultural leaders. In 2025, TIME Magazine named her among the world’s 100 most influential people. She recently announced the Afro Film Fund, a 50 million dollar initiative to finance African films and series, and expanded her media footprint to the United Kingdom with EbonyLife Place London.

TVOA Insight

Africa’s rising generation continues to step into global leadership at a pace that reflects the continent’s potential, not its stereotypes. These women show that progress is being built in real time, even as global systems struggle to keep up. Africa is still young compared to longstanding world powers, yet its leaders are already shaping finance, politics, innovation, and storytelling. Stories like these remind us that the continent is not defined by its challenges but by the people who turn possibility into progress. The future remains wide open.