Dangote Named Africa’s Most Admired Brand for the Eighth Year in a Row

Dangote Industries Limited has reaffirmed its status as Africa’s most influential corporate brand by being named the continent’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year. Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer Anthony Chiejina was also listed among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Chief Marketing Officers.

The accolade was announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings, presented in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The survey, regarded as Africa’s most comprehensive consumer‑led brand study, covered 30 countries, representing more than 85 % of the continent’s population and economic output.

In the latest rankings, Dangote topped the aided recall category, surpassing South Africa’s MTN and Vodacom. In spontaneous recall, it was second behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings. The Group also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked No. 1 African Brand Contributing to a Better Africa, ahead of MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings. These positions reflect Dangote’s significant role in industrialisation, job creation, economic development and sustainable growth across the continent.

The rankings demonstrate Dangote’s growing influence as one of Africa’s most recognisable corporate brands, built on investments in cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics. Brand Africa noted that, despite a modest rebound in African brand recognition, home‑grown brands still account for only 15 % of Africa’s 100 most admired brands, underscoring the continued dominance of foreign brands.

Dangote representatives – Public Relations Officer, DCP Ethiopia, Bekele Erena (3rd left); Head, HR & Administration, DCP Ethiopia, Eba Ulfata (7th left); Sales & Marketing Manager, DCP Ethiopia, Tariku Alemayehu (8th left); and Country CEO, Dangote Cement Ethiopia, Danilo Trugillo – pose with fellow award recipients during the 16th Brand Africa 100 Awards ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dangote Industries Limited was honoured as Africa’s Most Admired Brand, Most Admired African Brand Doing Good for Society and the Environment, and Most Admired African Industrial Brand.

Brand Africa Founder and Chairman Thebe Ikalafeng said that promoting African brands is a critical economic imperative for the continent.

“Converting goodwill toward 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 second among African brands for sustainability and social impact, placing it in the category of brands recognised for doing good for society, people and the environment.

Despite the dominance of global brands across Africa, Dangote has cemented its position as one of the continent’s leading corporate brands, alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines. The three emerged as the highest‑ranked African brands in the 2026 Brand Africa rankings, standing out on a list dominated by global names such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca‑Cola. The achievement is notable given that African brands accounted for just 15 % of the Top 100 rankings, compared with 38 % for European brands, 28 % for North American brands and 19 % for Asian brands.

Further strengthening the Group’s standing, its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer Anthony 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, honours marketing executives whose work shapes Africa’s business narrative, strengthens brand equity and drives economic growth across the continent and the diaspora.

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

CEO, Dangote Cement Ethiopia, Danilo Trugillo (centre), receives one of Dangote Industries Limited’s awards from President of the Ethiopian Marketing Professionals Association and Chief Marketing Officer of Population Services International, Fana Abay, as Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, Thebe Ikalafeng, looks on during the 16th Brand Africa 100 Awards ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dangote Industries Limited was recognised as Africa’s Most Admired Brand, Most Admired African Brand Doing Good for Society and the Environment, and Most Admired African Industrial Brand.

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

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