Dangote Retains Africa’s Most Admired Brand Title for Eighth Consecutive Year

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

Dangote Industries Limited has once again been recognised as Africa’s Most Admired African Brand, marking its eighth consecutive year at the top of the continental rankings.

The recognition was announced during the 16th edition of the Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands survey unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to Brand Africa, the annual survey, regarded as the continent’s largest consumer-led brand study, covered 30 African countries representing over 85 per cent of Africa’s population and economic output.

The ranking placed Dangote Industries Limited ahead of MTN and Vodacom in the aided recall category. The company also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and emerged as the leading African brand contributing to a better Africa.

Brand Africa said the recognition reflects the company’s role in promoting industrialisation, creating jobs and driving economic growth across the continent through investments in cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, packaging and logistics.

The survey further ranked Dangote among Africa’s leading brands in sustainability and social impact, placing it second among brands recognised for making positive contributions to society and the environment.

Commenting on the findings, Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, stressed the need for stronger support for indigenous brands.

“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.

Despite the achievement, Brand Africa noted that African-owned brands accounted for only 15 per cent of the continent’s top 100 most admired brands, underscoring the continued dominance of foreign brands in African markets.

The report identified Dangote, MTN and Ethiopian Airlines as the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 rankings, alongside global brands such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola.

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) initiative.

The programme, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD and the African Media Agency, recognises marketing and communications professionals making significant contributions to brand development and business growth across Africa.

Chiejina was among 20 executives selected from West Africa and one of 17 Nigerians honoured for excellence in brand management, corporate reputation and strategic communications.

The latest recognition adds to a growing list of honours for Dangote Industries. Last year, the company was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands, while its President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to industrialisation and enterprise development across the continent.