LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Dangote Industries Limited has once again cemented its position as one of Africa’s most influential corporate brands, emerging as the continent’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year in the latest Brand Africa rankings.
The recognition, announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands unveiling in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, reinforces Dangote’s growing stature as a symbol of African industrialisation and indigenous enterprise at a time when homegrown brands continue to struggle for visibility against global competitors.
In a further boost to the Group’s reputation, its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs), recognising his role in shaping one of the continent’s most valuable corporate brands.
The Brand Africa survey, regarded as Africa’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand study, covered 30 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 telecommunications giants MTN and Vodacom. In spontaneous recall, it ranked second among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Zambia-based Trade Kings.
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The conglomerate also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the leading African brand contributing to a better Africa, ahead of MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings.
The recognition reflects the Group’s extensive footprint across critical sectors including cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics—industries that play a significant role in job creation, infrastructure development and economic growth across Africa.
The latest rankings come against a backdrop of continued dominance by foreign brands in Africa. According to Brand Africa, indigenous brands account for only 15 per cent of the continent’s 100 most admired brands, despite a modest improvement in consumer perception of African products and services.
European brands accounted for 38 per cent of the Top 100 rankings, while North American and Asian brands represented 28 per cent and 19 per cent respectively.
Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, Thebe Ikalafeng, described support for African brands as an economic imperative 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,” he said.
Beyond brand recognition, Dangote ranked among Africa’s leading sustainability-driven companies, placing second in the category of brands recognised for making positive contributions to society, people and the environment.
Industry analysts say the achievement highlights the increasing importance of strong indigenous brands in driving Africa’s economic transformation. As governments across the continent pursue industrialisation and economic diversification, successful African brands are increasingly being viewed as strategic assets capable of attracting investment, boosting exports and strengthening regional value chains.
Alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines, Dangote emerged as one of the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 Brand Africa rankings, standing out in a list dominated by global giants such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola.
Further strengthening the Group’s standing, Anthony Chiejina was selected for the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list, an initiative launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD and the African Media Agency.
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The recognition honours marketing and reputation leaders whose work is shaping Africa’s business narrative, strengthening brand equity and enhancing the global competitiveness of African enterprises.
Chiejina was among only 20 executives selected from West Africa and one of 17 Nigerians recognised for excellence in brand building, strategic communications and corporate reputation management.
According to Brand Africa, selections for the ACMO100 list were 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 accolades add to a growing list of honours for Dangote Industries. Last year, the company was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame in recognition of its consistent ranking among Africa’s most admired brands over more than a decade.
Its President and Chief Executive Officer, Aliko Dangote, also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his role in championing industrialisation and building one of Africa’s most successful indigenous enterprises.
As African economies seek stronger homegrown champions capable of competing on the global stage, Dangote’s continued dominance in the Brand Africa rankings underscores both the potential and the growing influence of indigenous brands in shaping the continent’s economic future.
