Dangote Group named Africa’s most admired brand for 8th consecutive year

Dangote Industries Limited has reaffirmed its dominance as one of Africa’s most influential corporate brands, emerging as the continent’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year.

The recognition was announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings, unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In addition to the corporate honour, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries, Anthony Chiejina, was named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Chief Marketing Officers.

According to a statement issued yesterday and signed by Chiejina, the Brand Africa survey remains the continent’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand study, covering 30 countries that account for more than 85 per cent of Africa’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 the spontaneous recall category, the company ranked second among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.

The group also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the No. 1 African Brand Contributing to a Better Africa. It placed ahead of MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers, and Trade Kings, reflecting its impact on industrialisation, job creation, economic development, and sustainable growth across the continent.

The rankings further highlight Dangote’s growing influence as one of Africa’s most recognisable corporate brands, built on investments across cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging, and logistics.

Despite these achievements, Brand Africa noted that homegrown brands still account for only 15 per cent of Africa’s 100 most admired brands, underscoring the continued dominance of foreign brands.

Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, emphasised the importance of supporting African brands, stating:

“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 survey also ranked Dangote among Africa’s leading brands in sustainability and social impact, placing second among companies recognised for positively impacting society, people, and the environment.

Alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines, Dangote ranked among the top African brands in the 2026 Brand Africa rankings. The trio stood out in a list largely dominated by global giants such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple, and Coca-Cola.

This achievement is particularly notable as African brands made up just 15 per cent of the top 100 rankings, compared to 38 per cent for European brands, 28 per cent for North American brands, and 19 per cent for Asian brands.

Further reinforcing the group’s standing, Chiejina was selected for the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list, which recognises the continent’s most impactful marketing, brand, and reputation leaders.

The ACMO100 initiative, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD, and the African Media Agency, celebrates executives shaping Africa’s business narrative, strengthening brand equity, and driving economic growth across the continent and its diaspora.

Chiejina was among only 20 executives selected from West Africa and one of 17 Nigerians recognised for excellence in brand building, corporate reputation management, and strategic communications.

According to Brand Africa, the selection process was based on independent research, industry impact, leadership influence, and contributions to the growth of brands shaping consumer perceptions and economic outcomes across Africa.

This latest recognition adds to Dangote Industries’ growing list of honours. The company was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame last year for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands for over a decade.

Its President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for championing industrialisation and building one of Africa’s most successful indigenous enterprises.