Forbes' 2025 Ranking: Tunisian Businesswoman Jalila Mezni Ranks 35th Among the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business
Tunisia has reason to be proud: Jalila Mezni, co-founder and CEO of the SAH Group (Société d'Articles Hygieniques), has been ranked 35th in Forbes' annual list of the 100 most powerful women in business in 2025. This recognition not only highlights her remarkable career path but also showcases the dynamism of Tunisian female entrepreneurs on the international stage.
Born in Tunisia, Jalila Mezni began her career in the banking sector before venturing into entrepreneurship in 1994. Alongside Mounir El Jaiez, she co-founded the SAH Group, a consumer goods giant specializing in hygiene and household products. Since then, the group has continued to expand, with subsidiaries in Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and Libya, solidifying its position as a regional leader.
In 2024, the group's revenue reached $240 million in the first nine months, with nearly half (48.7%) coming from SAH Tunisia. The brands Azur Détergent (17.4%) and Azur Papier (10.2%) contribute to this success, illustrating the company's strategic diversification.
While the United Arab Emirates dominates the ranking with 46 candidates, followed by Egypt (18) and Saudi Arabia (9), Jalila Mezni represents the Tunisian exception. Her inclusion in this prestigious list underscores the impact of Maghreb female entrepreneurs in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Her sector, consumer goods, also stands out in a ranking largely dominated by banking (25 leaders), healthcare, and technology.
