Dangote Industries Limited has once again emerged as Africa’s Most Admired Brand, extending its dominance for the eighth consecutive year in the latest Brand Africa rankings.
The recognition was announced during the unveiling of the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands report in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, according to a statement issued by the company.
In the 2026 rankings, Dangote outperformed major continental brands, including MTN and Vodacom, to secure the top spot in the aided recall category, reaffirming its position as one of Africa’s most influential and recognisable corporate brands.
The Brand Africa survey, widely regarded as the continent’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand study, covered 30 African countries representing more than 85 per cent of Africa’s population and economic output.
Beyond retaining the overall title, Dangote also maintained its status as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the No. 1 African Brand Contributing to a Better Africa. The company was recognised ahead of leading brands such as MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers, and Trade Kings for its impact on industrialisation, job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development across the continent.
The latest ranking reflects the growing influence of the Dangote brand, built on strategic investments across key sectors including cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging, and logistics.
According to Brand Africa, despite a slight improvement in the visibility of African brands, locally owned companies still account for only 15 per cent of the continent’s 100 most admired brands, underscoring the continued dominance of foreign brands in African markets.
Commenting on the rankings, Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, stressed the importance of supporting indigenous brands as a pathway to 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 earned recognition for its sustainability and social impact initiatives, ranking second among brands acknowledged for making positive contributions to society, people, and the environment.
The company stood alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines as the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 rankings, despite competition from global giants such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple, and Coca-Cola.
The achievement comes at a time when African brands represent just 15 per cent of the Top 100 list, compared to 38 per cent for European brands, 28 per cent for North American brands, and 19 per cent for Asian brands.
Further highlighting the Group’s growing reputation, its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was named among the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) honourees.
The ACMO100 initiative, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD, and the African Media Agency, recognises outstanding marketing and communications leaders driving brand growth and shaping Africa’s business narrative.
Chiejina was one of only 20 executives selected from West Africa and among 17 Nigerians recognised for excellence in brand management, corporate reputation, and strategic communications.
Brand Africa said the selection was based on independent research, industry influence, leadership impact, and contributions to building brands that shape consumer perceptions and economic outcomes across the continent.
The latest accolade adds to a growing list of honours for Dangote Industries, which 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.