By Ayomide Otitoju
Dangote Industries Limited has been named Africa’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year, reinforcing its position as one of the continent’s leading corporate brands.
The recognition was announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings ceremony held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, according to a statement issued by the company.
The Brand Africa survey, regarded as the continent’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand assessment, covered 30 countries representing more than 85 per cent of Africa’s population and economic output.
In the 2026 rankings, Dangote emerged as Africa’s Most Admired Brand in the aided recall category, ahead of MTN and Vodacom. In the spontaneous recall category, the Group ranked second among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.
Dangote Industries also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the continent’s leading brand contributing to a better Africa. The ranking placed it ahead of MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings, reflecting its contributions to industrialisation, job creation, economic development and sustainable growth across Africa.
At the awards ceremony, the Group received honours in three categories: Africa’s Most Admired Brand, Most Admired African Brand Doing Good for Society and the Environment, and Most Admired African Industrial Brand.
The rankings underscore Dangote’s growing influence across Africa, driven by investments in cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics.
Brand Africa noted that while recognition of African brands has improved modestly, indigenous brands still account for only 15 per cent of Africa’s 100 most admired brands, highlighting the continued dominance of foreign brands on the continent.
Speaking on the significance of supporting local enterprises, Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, described the promotion of African brands as an economic necessity.
“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.
Dangote also ranked second among brands recognised for making a positive impact on society, people and the environment.
Despite strong competition from global brands, Dangote remained one of the highest-ranked African brands alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines. The three companies stood out in a Top 100 list dominated by international brands such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola.
According to the survey, African brands represented just 15 per cent of the Top 100 rankings, compared with 38 per cent for European brands, 28 per cent for North American brands and 19 per cent for Asian brands.
Further strengthening the Group’s profile, its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was named to the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list, which recognises the continent’s most influential marketing, branding and reputation management professionals.
The ACMO100 initiative, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD and the African Media Agency, celebrates marketing leaders whose work contributes to shaping Africa’s business narrative, strengthening brand value and promoting economic growth across the continent and its diaspora.
Chiejina was among 20 executives selected from West Africa and one of 17 Nigerians recognised for excellence in brand building, corporate reputation management and strategic communications.
Brand Africa said the selection process was based on independent research, leadership influence, industry impact and contributions to the growth of brands shaping consumer perceptions and economic outcomes across Africa.
The latest recognition adds to Dangote Industries’ growing list of accolades. In 2025, the Group was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame for consistently ranking among the continent’s most admired brands for more than a decade.
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 most successful indigenous enterprises
