Forbes' Ranking of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women
Every year, Forbes publishes its ranking of the 100 most powerful women in the world, a list that highlights those who dominate the political, economic, cultural, and media spheres on an international scale. In this ranking, 25 countries are represented, but some stand out more than others. North America, and particularly the United States, is far ahead, with a strong presence of CEOs, financial leaders, philanthropists, and media personalities. Europe follows closely, with prominent political and economic leaders such as Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank. Japan, Mexico, Brazil, India, and China complete the top 20, representing the rise of certain emerging economies in the field of female leadership.
Methodology
The Forbes ranking is not just about fame. It is based on four pillars of power: money, media presence, actual impact, and circles of influence. For political leaders, Forbes also takes into account the GDP and population of the country led, while for CEOs and entrepreneurs, it is the size of the company and its economic performance that are evaluated. Cultural figures are judged on their media reach and social influence. This methodology allows for a global overview of female power, beyond borders and sectors.
African Representation
Africa, although largely underrepresented, has two notable women in this ranking. Mary Vilakazi, CEO of the FirstRand Group in South Africa, took the reins of one of the largest banks on the continent in April 2024, overseeing nearly 2.5 trillion rand in assets, or approximately $150 billion. Mo Abudu, a Nigerian media entrepreneur and philanthropist, founder of EbonyLife Media, has established herself as a key figure in global media. Since 2006, her Ebonylife TV network has been broadcast in over 49 countries across Africa, as well as in the UK and the Caribbean.
Conclusion
This ranking shows that economic and media power remains concentrated in North America and Europe, with a notable progression of certain emerging economies in Asia and Latin America. Africa is gaining ground, but remains underrepresented at the top. However, the African figures present demonstrate considerable influence and announce a possible evolution in the coming years. The Forbes 2025 ranking reminds us that female power is diversifying and that the next generation could see more African women reaching the highest spheres of global decision-making.
