Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, World Trade Organisation Director General has been named as one of Forbes world most powerful women in 2022.
Dr. Ngozi is a Nigerian that hails from Ogwashi-ukwu in Delta state. She graduated magna cum laude with an A.B. in Economics from Harvard University and earned a Ph.D in Regional Economics and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She has also received honorary degrees from 15 Universities world wide.
She has served twice as Nigeria’s finance minister and acted briefly as a foreign minister in 2006; she is the first woman to hold both positions. She is also the first woman and the first African to serve as Director General of the World Trade Organisation.
Forbes is an American business magazine owned by Integrated Whale Media Investments and the Forbes family with a particular focus on business, technology, communications, science, politics and law.
The African leadership person of the year awards are vote based and reserved yearly for leading Africans who are making positive impacts and promoting a favorable image of the continent.
At the close of the poll on 2nd of December, 2022, Okonjo Iweala polled over 60% of the 15,000 votes in that category.
Forbes said “The World Trade Organization head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (No. 91 of 100) continues to play a crucial role in providing financial assistance and promoting global trade as the threat of a global recession rises.”
This is her 6th time in her career being recognized by Forbes. Asides the recognition by Forbes,in 2021 Time Magazine recognized her as one of the world’s most influential people.
Okonjo Iweala took to her twitter to express her excitement. She said “an honor and a privilege to be part of this list of a very distinguished group of women for the 6th time in my career. Congratulations to my other sisters. Let’s continue to show that good governance, good public policy and a people-centered approach to work matters.”
The winners of the 11th edition of the award will be presented with the honor on 16th February, 2023 at a ceremony scheduled to be held in Port Louis, Mauritius.