Dangote Industries Limited has once again been named Africa’s Most Admired African Brand, marking the eighth consecutive year the conglomerate has secured the top position in the prestigious Brand Africa rankings.
The recognition was announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands awards ceremony held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, according to a statement issued by the company and signed by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina.
The Brand Africa survey, regarded as one of the continent’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand studies, covered 30 countries representing more than 85 per cent of Africa’s population and economic output.
In the 2026 rankings, Dangote Industries Limited emerged as Africa’s Most Admired Brand in the aided recall category, ahead of MTN Group and Vodacom Group. In the spontaneous recall category, the company ranked second among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings Group.
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, MultiChoice Group, Shoprite Holdings and Trade Kings.
Brand Africa said the recognition reflects Dangote’s significant contribution to industrialisation, job creation, economic development and sustainable growth across the continent.
The company’s influence has been driven by investments across multiple sectors, including cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics.
Despite a modest improvement in the visibility of African brands, the report noted that indigenous brands accounted for only 15 per cent of Africa’s top 100 most admired brands, underscoring the continued dominance of international brands across the continent.
Speaking on the findings, Brand Africa Founder and Chairman Thebe Ikalafeng said promoting African brands remains a key economic priority.
“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.
The survey also ranked Dangote second among brands recognised for making a positive impact on society, people and the environment.
Alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines, Dangote was listed among the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 rankings, which were otherwise dominated by global brands such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung Electronics, Apple Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company.
In a related development, 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 leaders driving brand growth, corporate reputation and economic development across Africa.
Chiejina was one of only 20 executives selected from West Africa and among 17 Nigerians honoured for their contributions to strategic communications and brand management.
According to Brand Africa, the selection was based on independent research, industry impact, leadership influence and contributions to the growth of brands shaping consumer perceptions and business outcomes across the continent.
The latest recognition adds to Dangote Industries’ growing list of honours. In 2025, the company was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame for its consistent ranking among the continent’s most admired brands over more than a decade.
Its President and Chief Executive Officer, Aliko Dangote, also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his role in advancing industrialisation and building one of Africa’s most successful indigenous enterprises.
