Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a trailblazing economist and the visionary force reshaping global trade, now gets a well-deserved recognition among the ranks of Forbes’ 100 most powerful women, cementing her legacy and pinnacle as a distinguished global leader, Joke Kujenya, writes.
Start of the journey
Embarking on an unparalleled journey of leadership and influence, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s life’s path transcends borders.
Her narrative unfolds pliability, intellect and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Born in 1954 in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State, she emerged into the world under the auspices of her father, Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, the revered Obi (king), of the Obahai royal family.
Educated at the prestigious institution such as Queen’s School, Enugu; St. Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo State, and the International School, Ibadan, Okonjo-Iweala, laid the foundations of her life’s remarkable journey.
she served two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister from 2003 to 2006 and 2011 to 2015
Her academic prowess ultimately led her to Harvard University, where she earned an A.B. degree in 1976, trailed by a Master in City Planning Degree in 1978, and finally a PhD.
Launch into global stage
Her entry onto transnational dais commenced with her groundbreaking contributions to the World Bank where she accrued over three decades of experience as an economist and international development professional.
During her illustrious career, she served two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister from 2003 to 2006 and 2011 to 2015, respectively, punctuated by a brief but impactful stint as the country’s Foreign Minister in 2006.
Her influence
Okonjo-Iweala’s influence excelled her roles in her country, Nigeria, extending to her chairmanship of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Under her guidance, Gavi immunized an outstanding 760 million children globally, leaving an indelible mark on global health.
Career zenith
In March 2021, Okonjo-Iweala reached a historic pinnacle in her career pursuit, assuming the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
This pioneering appointment marked not only a personal triumph but a significant milestone for women and Africans worldwide.
Under her guidance, Gavi immunized an outstanding 760 million children globally, leaving an indelible mark on global health
She became the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO, a witness to her prowess in navigating complex global economic landscapes.
Her vision at the WTO is rooted in her belief that trade possesses the transformative power to uplift developing nations, steering them toward sustainable development.
As the first woman and first African WTO Director-General, Okonjo-Iweala is not only a trailblazer but a beacon of hope, proving that diversity and inclusion are not mere buzzwords but powerful catalysts for change.
In a world grappling with economic uncertainties and geopolitical complexities, Okonjo-Iweala stands at the forefront, initiating policies that resonate across continents.
Her journey, marked by an unwavering commitment to global progress, showcases the profound impact one individual can wield on the route of nations and the global economy.
Forbes’ crowning
As she continues to break barriers and rewrite history, she has just taken a new position on the center stage as Forbes named her among the 100 Most Powerful Women.
As the first woman and first African WTO Director-General, Okonjo-Iweala is not only a trailblazer but also a beacon of hope
In the illustrious 20th annual Forbes ranking, Okonjo-Iweala claims the 87th spot, eclipsing her South African counterpart, Mpumi Madisa, who gracefully takes the 88th position.
In the 2022 Forbes ranking, she had secured the 91st position as one of the world’s most powerful women, which all stemmed from her unwavering commitment to providing financial assistance and promoting global trade, especially in the face of the looming threat of a global recession.
Personal project
Beyond her global role as an economic luminary, she is the visionary founder of Nigeria’s pioneering opinion research organization, NOI-Polls, and the architect behind the Centre of the Study of Economies of Africa (C-SEA), a developmental research powerhouse based in Abuja.
She also serves as a Distinguished Fellow at both the Center for Global Development and Brookings Institutions.
She brings her over three decades of professional and life experience to bear from all she had garnered from her sojourn to various places of the world including Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin, and North America, among others.
Immediate family
On a personal front, she shares her journey with Ikemba Iweala, a neurosurgeon from Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, and they both nurture a family of four children, among whom is a notable and accomplished author and medical doctor, Uzodinma Iweala.
