Forbes has released its 2025 list of the world’s 100 most powerful women, celebrating female leaders who continue to break barriers and redefine influence at a time when progress for women in the workplace is facing significant global setbacks.
According to data cited alongside the rankings, nearly 500,000 women in the United States alone left their jobs between January and October 2025, marking one of the steepest declines in female workforce participation in recent history. Analysts point to burnout, limited advancement opportunities and persistent workplace inequality as key factors driving the trend.
Research by McKinsey in partnership with Lean In further underscores the challenge. The study found that only 54 percent of companies now actively focus on promoting women into leadership positions, a sharp drop from 90 percent just four years ago. At the same time, the United Nations has raised alarms over the growing prevalence of online sexism, warning that digital harassment and abuse are increasingly affecting women across politics, business, media and civil society.
Against this backdrop, the achievements of African women featured on the 2025 Forbes list stand out as powerful examples of resilience, leadership and transformation. Forbes highlighted six women from Africa whose work is reshaping institutions, economies and narratives both on the continent and globally.
Mary Vilakazi – South Africa
has emerged as one of the most influential figures in African finance. A chartered accountant by training, Vilakazi began her career at PwC, where she made history by becoming one of the firm’s youngest partners at the age of 27. She later served as Chief Financial Officer of the Mineral Services Group, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable financial leader.
In 2018, she joined FirstRand Group as Group Chief Operating Officer. On 1 April 2024, she broke another barrier by becoming the first woman and the first Black woman to serve as Chief Executive Officer of FirstRand Group, South Africa’s largest financial-services firm by market value. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in a sector long dominated by men, and her leadership continues to influence transformation across corporate South Africa.
Judith Suminwa Tuluka – Democratic Republic of Congo
made history in June 2024 when she was appointed the first female Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. An economist with a strong background in public policy, she previously worked with the United Nations Development Programme and later served as Minister of State in charge of Planning.
Her expertise spans public finance management, budgeting, programme evaluation and national development coordination. As prime minister, Suminwa Tuluka has been tasked with navigating complex economic and governance challenges in one of Africa’s largest and most resource-rich nations, while also symbolising a breakthrough for women in Congolese politics.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah – Namibia
On 21 March 2025, was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president, marking a historic moment for the southern African nation. A veteran politician with decades of experience, she previously served as vice president and held several key cabinet positions, including foreign affairs and environment.
Since assuming office, Nandi-Ndaitwah has prioritised reducing Namibia’s public debt, strengthening national policies and reinforcing the country’s role on the international stage. Her presidency represents both continuity and change, reflecting long-standing liberation movement values while opening a new chapter for women’s leadership in the region.
Mpumi Madisa – South Africa
is another trailblazer from South Africa, recognised for her impact in the corporate world. In October 2020, she became the first Black woman to lead a top-40 Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed company when she was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Bidvest.
Madisa rose through the ranks after joining the group in 2003, holding roles across sales, marketing, commercial operations and corporate affairs. Under her leadership, Bidvest has expanded its global footprint, restored profitability in challenging markets and now employs approximately 130,000 people worldwide. Her inclusion on the Forbes list highlights the growing, though still rare, presence of African women at the helm of multinational corporations.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Nigeria
Few African women wield as much global influence as . An internationally respected economist, she has held senior roles including Managing Director of the World Bank, Chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and Co-Chair of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate.
On 1 March 2021, Okonjo-Iweala made history as the first woman and the first African to become Director-General of the World Trade Organization. She was reappointed for a second term in 2024, reinforcing her status as a central figure in shaping global trade policy at a time of economic uncertainty and geopolitical tension.
Mo Abudu – Nigeria
has redefined African storytelling on the global stage. As the founder of EbonyLife Media, she has built one of Africa’s most influential media brands, producing film and television content that centres African voices and narratives.
In 2025, TIME Magazine named Abudu among its 100 Most Influential People in the World. She recently launched the Afro Film Fund, a 50 million US dollar initiative aimed at financing African-origin films and television series. In addition, she expanded her brand to the United Kingdom with the opening of EbonyLife Place London, further cementing her global footprint.
A powerful statement amid global setbacks
The recognition of these six women comes at a time when gains in gender equality are under pressure worldwide. Their inclusion on the Forbes list serves as both inspiration and a reminder that progress is possible, even in challenging environments.
Across politics, finance, trade and media, these African leaders are not only breaking ceilings but also reshaping institutions and narratives. As global conversations continue around equity, inclusion and representation, their stories stand as powerful examples of leadership that transcends borders.
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