Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Africa’s Most Influential Woman at 70

By Eric Elezuo

The world rose, on June 13, to celebrate one of Africa’s biggest exports to the world, the Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as she clocked a landmark 70 years.

The outpouring of affection and respect for Dr Okonjo-Iweala that has trailed Okonjo-Iweala’s birthday underscores her significant influence in global affairs and her role as a respected figure on the world stage, and serving as a reminder of the personal connections and goodwill she has fostered worldwide.

Celebrating herself through a personal tweet, she wrote: “I don’t normally do personal tweets, but today is an exception! It has been one of the happiest days of my life – my 70th birthday! So much outpouring of love from everywhere!! I want to thank all WTO Ambassadors, WTO staff, friends, and family!”

Dr Okonjo-Iweala went on to share her amazement at the global response, noting that “I’ve never received so many bouquets of flowers from all over the world, as I have today! Along with good wishes and prayers.”

It was not out of place for anyone that has followed the Dg’s career trajectory. She certainly deserves all the accolades.

Expressing deep gratitude at the blessings she enjoys, she added that “I consider myself blessed to have a loving husband, family, friends, and well-wishers! All Glory and Thanks to God!”

Okonjo-Iweala, who for the seventh time in her meritorious career, was recently recognised, and named one of Forbes’s World’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2023. The accomplished financial expert, also one time Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, as well as a former Foreign Affairs Minister, who is fond and proud of her traditional ankara attire, has so many reasons to thank God at 70.

It is worthy of note that 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.

According to Forbes’ 20th annual ranking released, the distinguished Nigerian E3conomist holds the 87th spot, moving up four spots, and surpassing South African businesswoman, Mpumi Madisa, who stands at 88th.

Okonjo-Iweala also beat Tanzanian President, Samia Hassan, who made her debut on the list at the 93rd position, alongside Nigerian media mogul and philanthropist Mo Abudu at the 98th. Her position bestowed on her the status of the most powerful woman in Africa.

Topping the powerful woman chart, however, is Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission for Impactful Policy and Budget, while Christine Lagarde, European Central Bank President, secures the second spot, with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris following closely in third place.

Okonjo-Iweala, who shattered barriers in 2021 as the first woman and the first African Director-General of the WTO, is celebrated for her remarkable career at the World Bank, and impactful economic reforms in Nigeria.

Her recognition on Forbes’ list underscores not only her significant contributions to global trade but also her commitment to economic development, governance, and international leadership.

In 2022, “The World Trade Organization head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, made the No. 91 of 100 powerful women in the world, and continues to play a crucial role in providing financial assistance and promoting global trade as the threat of a global recession rises.

A statement from Forbes added that Okojo-Iweala is “an economist and international development professional with more than 30 years of experience working in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America.”

Also in 2021, Okonjo-Iweala was recognized by another media platform, Time magazine as one of the world’s most influential people for the year under review.

“In March 2021, she became first woman and the first African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

“She has said she believes in the power of trade to lift developing countries out of poverty help them achieve sustainable development.

“Earlier in her career, Okonjo-Iweala served two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, from 2003-2006 and 2011-2015; she also briefly served as Foreign Minister in 2006.

“She was also Chair of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance that has immunized 760 million children globally.”

According to Wikipedia, Okonjo-Iweala was born on June 13, 1954 in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State, Nigeria where her father Professor Chukwuka Okonjo is the Eze (King) from the Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Ukwu.

Okonjo-Iweala was educated at Queen’s School, Enugu, St. Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan, and the International School Ibadan. She arrived in the US in 1973 as a teenager to study at Harvard University, graduating magna cum laude with an AB in Economics in 1976. In 1981, she earned her Ph.D in regional economics and development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a thesis titled Credit policy, rural financial markets, and Nigeria’s agricultural development. She received an International Fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW), that supported her doctoral studies.

She spent a 25-year career at the World Bank as a Development Economist, scaling the ranks to the Number two position of Managing Director, Operations between 2007 and 2011. She also served two terms as Finance Minister of Nigeria (2003–2006, 2011–2015) under the leadership of President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan respectively. She also had a stint in the external affairs ministry as minister.

She is a seasoned economist and international development expert, and sits on the Boards of Standard Chartered Bank, Twitter, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), and the African Risk Capacity (ARC).

She is married to Dr. Ikemba Iweala, a neurosurgeon. They have four children – one daughter, Onyinye Iweala (AB, MD, PhD, Harvard) and three sons, Uzodinma Iweala (AB, Harvard, MD, Columbia), Okechukwu Iweala (AB, Harvard) and Uchechi Iweala (AB, MD, MBA, Harvard).

Okonjo-Iweala became a US citizen in 2019 after spending several decades working and studying in the United States. Among an avalanche of high class honours trailing her, Okonjo-Iweala is also the founder of Nigeria’s first indigenous opinion-research organisation, NOI-Polls. She also founded the Center for the Study of Economies of Africa (C-SEA), a development research think tank based in Abuja.

Many has praised her leadership acumen at the WTO and her dedication to global trade issues, underscoring her impact on international relations and economic policies.

Among international figures, who have congratulated her on her landmark birthday was Ambassador John Smith, who said: “Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership has brought a renewed energy to the WTO. Her birthday is a moment to celebrate not just her personal achievements but her contributions to global diplomacy,”

Also celebrating the woman, who has become a reference point for everything positive, was Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, who in a release issued by his media adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, rejoiced with the woman he described as a remarkable leader.

He extolled the former Minister for her services to the country and efforts towards building resilient institutions, commending her for being a worthy ambassador of Nigeria, exemplifying the grit, diligence, and brilliance that Nigerians are known for.

Reveling in the euphoria of the moment, Okonjo-Iweala added, “Here’s to another year of making a positive impact and promoting global prosperity! Thank you all for making this day so special!”

Congratulations Madam DG.