Amanze Chinonye
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 and a major contributor to industrial and economic development, Prime Business Africa reports.
The recognition was announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the company also dominated several key categories, including industrial excellence, social impact and sustainable development.
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According to the survey, which covered 30 African countries representing more than 85 per cent of the continent’s population and economic output, Dangote emerged as Africa’s Most Admired Brand in aided recall, ahead of MTN and Vodacom.
In the spontaneous recall category, the company ranked second among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.
Dangote 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 the company ahead of brands such as MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings, reflecting its role in industrialisation, job creation, economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.
The latest rankings underscore Dangote’s growing influence across Africa, driven by investments spanning cement production, fertiliser manufacturing, petrochemicals, energy, sugar refining, salt processing, packaging and logistics.
Despite the achievement, Brand Africa noted that African-owned brands continue to face stiff competition from global brands, accounting for only 15 per cent of Africa’s 100 Most Admired Brands in 2026.
Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, described the promotion of African brands as an economic necessity 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,” Ikalafeng said.
The survey further ranked Dangote among Africa’s leading brands in sustainability and social impact, placing it second among companies recognised for making positive contributions to society, people and the environment.
Alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines, Dangote emerged as one of the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 rankings, standing out in a list dominated by global names such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola.
The report showed that while African brands accounted for 15 per cent of the Top 100 rankings, European brands represented 38 per cent, North American brands 28 per cent and Asian brands 19 per cent.
In a related development, Dangote Industries’ Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Chief Marketing Officers under the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list.
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The initiative, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD and the African Media Agency, recognises marketing and communications executives whose work is shaping business narratives, strengthening brand equity and driving economic growth across Africa and the diaspora.
Chiejina was among 20 executives selected from West Africa and one of 17 Nigerians recognised for their contributions to brand building, corporate reputation management and strategic communications.
Brand Africa said the selection process was based on independent research, industry impact, leadership influence and contributions to the growth of brands that shape consumer perceptions and economic outcomes across the continent.
The latest honours add to Dangote Industries’ growing list of recognitions. The company was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame in 2025 for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands for more than a decade.
Its President and Chief Executive Officer, 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 business enterprises.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
