Dangote Industries Limited has further strengthened its reputation as one of Africa’s most influential corporate brands after retaining the title of Africa’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year.
The company’s Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, also earned recognition as one of Africa’s 100 Most Influential Chief Marketing Officers.
The honours were announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The survey, widely regarded as Africa’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand assessment, covered 30 countries representing over 85 per cent of the continent’s population and economic output.
In the latest rankings, Dangote emerged as Africa’s Most Admired Brand in aided recall, ahead of MTN and Vodacom.
In the spontaneous recall category, the company placed second among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.
Dangote also maintained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the continent’s leading brand contributing to a better Africa.
The recognition places the company ahead of MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings, reflecting its contributions to industrialisation, job creation, economic growth and sustainable development across Africa.
The rankings underscore Dangote’s growing influence as a leading African brand, supported by investments across cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics.
According to Brand Africa, African brands accounted for only 15 per cent of the continent’s 100 most admired brands, despite a slight improvement in the visibility of homegrown brands.
The finding highlights the continued dominance of foreign brands in African markets.
Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, described the promotion of African brands as an economic necessity.
“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 was also ranked among Africa’s leading brands in sustainability and social impact, placing second in the category recognising brands that positively impact society, people and the environment.
Alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines, Dangote emerged as one of the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 Brand Africa rankings, standing out among global giants such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola.
Further boosting the Group’s profile, Anthony Chiejina was named to the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list, which recognises outstanding marketing, brand and reputation leaders across the continent.
The ACMO100 initiative, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD and the African Media Agency, celebrates executives whose work is shaping Africa’s business narrative, strengthening corporate brands and contributing to economic growth.
Chiejina was one of only 20 executives selected from West Africa and among 17 Nigerians recognised for excellence in brand building, strategic communications and corporate reputation management.
Brand Africa stated that the selection process was based on independent research, industry influence, leadership impact and contribution to the growth of brands shaping consumer perceptions and economic outcomes across Africa.
The latest recognition adds to Dangote Industries’ growing list of achievements. Last year, the company was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame for consistently ranking among the continent’s most admired brands for more than a decade.
Its President and Chief Executive Officer, Aliko Dangote, also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his role in driving industrialisation and building one of Africa’s most successful indigenous enterprises.
PHOTO: Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group