Dangote Industries Limited has been named Africa’s Most Admired Brand for the eighth consecutive year, reinforcing its position as one of the continent’s leading corporate giants.
The recognition was announced at the 16th Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings, unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, according to a statement from the company.
The survey, regarded as Africa’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand study, covered 30 countries representing more than 85 per cent of the continent’s population and economic output.
In the latest rankings, Dangote emerged as Africa’s Most Admired Brand in aided recall, ahead of South Africa’s MTN and Vodacom. In spontaneous recall, it placed second among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.
The Dangote Group also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the continent’s No. 1 brand contributing to a better Africa, ahead of MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers, and Trade Kings. The ranking reflects its role in industrialisation, job creation, economic development, and sustainable growth across Africa.
Brand Africa noted that despite a modest rise in recognition of African brands, homegrown companies still account for only 15 per cent of the continent’s Top 100 most admired brands, underscoring the continued dominance of global brands.
Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, said the promotion of African brands is a critical economic priority for the continent.
“Converting goodwill towards African contribution into admiration for African brands is the most urgent commercial opportunity for the continent. It is not enough for Africans to believe in Africa; they must buy Made-in-Africa,” he said.
The report also ranked Dangote among the continent’s leaders in sustainability, placing it second in the category of brands recognised for social and environmental impact.
Despite strong competition from global brands, Dangote remains alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines as one of Africa’s most prominent corporate names in the 2026 rankings, in a list largely dominated by international brands such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple, and Coca-Cola.
African brands accounted for just 15 per cent of the Top 100, compared to 38 per cent from Europe, 28 per cent from North America, and 19 per cent from Asia.
Further recognition went to the Group’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, who was named on the inaugural Africa CMO 100 list, which honours the continent’s most influential marketing and communications leaders.
The initiative, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD, and the African Media Agency, recognises executives shaping Africa’s brand landscape and corporate reputation.
Chiejina was among 20 West African executives and 17 Nigerians selected for their impact on brand building, strategic communications, and reputation management.
Brand Africa said selections were based on independent research, industry influence, leadership impact, and contributions to brand growth across the continent.
The latest honours add to Dangote Industries’ growing list of accolades, including its induction into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame for sustained excellence in brand performance over more than a decade.
Its President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his role in advancing industrialisation and building one of Africa’s most successful indigenous business empires.
