Dangote Industries Limited has been named Africa’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year, reaffirming its position as one of the continent’s most influential corporate entities.
The recognition was announced at the 16th edition of the Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings, unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to a statement from the company, the survey is regarded as Africa’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand assessment, covering 30 countries that collectively represent over 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 major competitors including South Africa’s MTN and Vodacom.
In the spontaneous recall category, the company ranked second among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.
The conglomerate also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the number one African brand contributing to a better continent.
This recognition highlights its role in industrialisation, job creation, economic development, and sustainable growth across Africa.
Brand Africa noted that despite a gradual improvement in African brand recognition, locally owned brands still account for only 15 per cent of the continent’s top 100 most admired brands.
This underscores the continued dominance of foreign brands in Africa’s consumer markets.
Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, stressed the importance of strengthening African brands to drive economic growth.
“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 Africa’s leading brands in sustainability and social impact, placing it second in recognition for positive contributions to society, people, and the environment.
Despite strong global competition from brands such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple, and Coca-Cola, Dangote remains one of Africa’s top-performing indigenous brands alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines.
Together, these three continue to dominate as the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 edition of the rankings.
African brands, however, still represent only a small portion of the overall list, accounting for 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 Dangote Industries’ Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, who was named among the inaugural Africa CMO 100 list.
The list honours influential marketing and communications leaders shaping Africa’s brand and business landscape.
Chiejina was selected among a small group of executives from West Africa and was one of 17 Nigerians recognised for excellence in brand strategy, corporate reputation management, and communications leadership.
The selection was based on independent research, industry impact, leadership influence, and contributions to shaping brand perception across the continent.
Dangote Industries has previously been inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame for consistently ranking among the continent’s most admired brands.
Its President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his role in advancing industrialisation and building one of Africa’s leading indigenous business empires.
