What Samia’s recognition as second most powerful woman in Africa means for Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has once again been recognised as the second most powerful woman in Africa, marking her third consecutive appearance in the Forbes annual rankings.

This remarkable achievement, pronounced by Forbes on Tuesday, December 5, highlights not only President Hassan's personal accomplishments but also the rising prominence of Tanzania on the world stage, experts say.

President Hassan, who assumed office in March 2021 as Tanzania's first-ever female president, has demonstrated exceptional leadership, earning her a spot among the world's elite, according to Forbes.

Experts note that the President’s consistent presence on the Forbes list is a testament to her commitment to steering the country towards progress, prosperity, and influence across the globe.

Forbes' metrics, which include money, media, impact, and spheres of influence, highlight President Hassan's significant contributions to Tanzania's economic and social landscape. The metrics consider factors such as gross domestic product, population, and the leader's ability to make an impact on a global scale.

“Tanzania, overlooked on the international scene in recent years, has found a formidable representative in President Hassan. This is what I see,” an international relations expert from Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations, Dr Mussa Tabu, said on Wednesday.

“Her achievements have sparked a wave of optimism and pride among Tanzanians, who see her as a symbol of empowerment and progress, especially women,” he added.

The director-general of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, from Nigeria, holds the top spot for African women on the Forbes list, a position she has maintained for three consecutive years.

Okonjo-Iweala's expertise and influence in global economic matters, Dr Tabu explained, are complemented by President Hassan's political prowess, creating a formidable duo representing the strength of African women on the global stage.

Renowned Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu also continues to feature on the list. Abudu's recognition reflects not only her success in the media and entertainment industry but also the increasing global acknowledgment of Africa's contributions to various fields.

Other experts from around the country weighed in on President Hassan's remarkable achievement, emphasising the positive impact on both Tanzania and the African continent.

A political analyst from Kampala International University, Dr Jane Mwanzia, remarked during a telephone interview that President Samia's consistent presence on the Forbes list is a clear indication of her diplomatic skills and smart leadership. “Tanzania is now a key player in global conversations, and President Hassan is at the forefront, shaping policies and influencing change," she noted.

President Hassan's strategic focus on infrastructure development, combined with her commitment to addressing pressing issues in the water, education, and health sectors, resonates not only with Tanzanians but also with global observers, according to Forbes.

The Forbes rankings reflect her success in building bridges within the region and abroad, fostering diplomatic ties, and navigating complex political landscapes.

An economist and visiting lecturer at St Augustine University of Tanzania, specialising in African development, Dr Stephen Otieno, said President Hassan's ability to maintain the ranking in the Forbes list speaks volumes about Tanzania's economic stability and growth under her leadership.

“Investors and global partners are taking note, viewing Tanzania as a reliable and influential player in the international arena," he said.