Dangote Industries Limited has once again been named Africa’s Most Admired African Brand, extending its remarkable dominance in the category to eight consecutive years.
Gatekeepers News reports that the recognition was announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, according to a statement issued by the company.
Widely regarded as the continent’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand survey, the study covered 30 African countries representing more than 85 per cent of the continent’s population and economic output.
In the latest rankings, Dangote emerged as Africa’s Most Admired Brand in the aided recall category, outperforming South African telecommunications giants MTN and Vodacom. The company also secured second place in the spontaneous recall category among African brands, trailing MTN while ranking ahead of Trade Kings.
The conglomerate retained its title as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was also recognised as the leading African brand contributing to a better Africa, ahead of MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings.
According to the rankings, the recognition reflects Dangote’s impact on industrialisation, job creation, economic development and sustainable growth across the continent.
The company’s growing influence has been driven by investments across multiple sectors, including cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics.
Brand Africa noted that while African brands recorded a modest improvement in recognition, locally owned brands still account for only 15 per cent of the continent’s 100 most admired brands, underscoring the continued dominance of foreign brands.
Commenting on the findings, Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, stressed the importance of supporting indigenous brands to drive economic transformation.
“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 among Africa’s top brands for sustainability and social impact, placing second in the category recognising brands that make positive contributions to society, people and the environment.
Despite the strong presence of global brands, Dangote stood out alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines as the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 rankings. The trio featured prominently on a list largely dominated by international names such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola.
The achievement is particularly significant given that African brands accounted for only 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 boosting the company’s profile, Dangote Industries’ Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was named to the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list, which celebrates 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, honours executives whose work is shaping Africa’s business narrative, strengthening brand equity and contributing to economic growth across the continent and its diaspora.
Chiejina was one of only 20 executives selected from West Africa and among 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 that shape consumer perceptions and economic outcomes across Africa.
The latest accolade adds to a growing list of honours earned by Dangote Industries. Last year, the company was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame for maintaining a place among Africa’s most admired brands for over a decade.
Its President and Chief Executive Officer, Aliko Dangote, was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his role in advancing industrialisation and building one of Africa’s most successful indigenous business enterprises.
