Mo Abudu, CEO of the EbonyLife Group, has been recognised as the 2024 Businesswoman of the Year at the prestigious Forbes Africa Woman Awards, held at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg on Friday, March 8th, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
Mo Abudu’s exceptional leadership and achievements in the corporate world have earned her the title of “Africa’s Most Successful Woman” by Forbes. Under her guidance, EbonyLife Group has become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, comprising EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife Studios, the EbonyLife Creative Academy, and EbonyLife Place, Nigeria’s first luxury entertainment resort.
Abudu’s notable productions include highest-grossing blockbusters such as Fifty, The Wedding Party, Your Excellency, and Òlòtūré. Other production successes include Blood Sisters, Netflix’s first Original Nigerian series, which garnered over 11 million hours of viewing time and secured a spot in Netflix’s Global Top Ten list. Wrath and Revenge launched on Netflix over Christmas 2023 and Netflix recently announced the upcoming release of other titles to include an Oloture sequel and Baby Farm – a brand new series, where a young pregnant woman becomes a prisoner of a sinister baby farm operating as the auspices of an NGO.
Furthering her impact internationally, EbonyLife Media has entered into collaborations with renowned studios such as Sony, AMC Networks, Netflix, Starz, Lionsgate, BBC, Westbrook Studios, and Will Packer Productions.
Mo Abudu’s commitment to fostering talent and diversity in the media industry is evident through her partnership with Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures. Together, they aim to uplift talent from Africa and its diaspora, creating inclusive and diverse content.
Acknowledging her recent accolades, Mo Abudu expressed gratitude, stating, “Gratitude fills my heart as I share this remarkable news with you! Last night in Johannesburg, I was honored with the prestigious 2024 BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD at the FORBES AFRICA WOMAN AWARDS. To Forbes Africa, thank you so much! Your recognition is both humbling and empowering.”
She further emphasized the importance of resilience and unity among African women, dedicating her success to her team at EbonyLife, her family, and all the remarkable women who inspire her.
Mo Abudu’s impact extends beyond the entertainment industry; she recently curated the groundbreaking “Echoes of Africa” series at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, showcasing African cinema for the first time in the institution’s history.
Her commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders is reflected in her role as a distinguished judge for the Forbes 30 Under 30 selection committee , her appointment as Creatives Champion for the upcoming UK-African Investment Summit by the UK Government and her work at upskilling the next generation of filmmakers at the EbonyLife Creative Academy.
Mo Abudu’s journey serves as an inspiration to women everywhere, reminding them that with determination and resilience, any obstacle can be overcome. Her message to fellow women is clear: “If you can think it, you can do it. Together, let’s continue to pave the path for generations to come.”
