Dangote Industries Limited has been named Africa’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year, while MTN leads in spontaneous brand recall.
The recognition was announced at the 2026 Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The annual survey, regarded as Africa’s most extensive consumer-led brand study, covered 30 countries representing more than 85% of the continent’s population and economic output.
Dangote ranked first in aided recall, ahead of MTN and Vodacom. MTN, however, led in spontaneous recall, with Dangote coming second in that category and Trade Kings in third place.
The report also ranked Dangote as the continent’s leading industrial brand and placed it first among African brands seen as contributing to a better society. MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings followed in that category.
Across the board, Brand Africa noted that African brands continually hold a small share of visibility, accounting for 15% of the Top 100 list. European brands made up 38%, North American brands 28%, and Asian brands 19%.
Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, said African consumers still need to strengthen support for locally made products.
“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 placed second in the sustainability and social impact category, which recognises brands contributing positively to society and the environment.
The rankings placed Dangote, MTN Group and Ethiopian Airlines among Africa’s strongest indigenous brands, though global names such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola topped the overall Top 100.
The report on Africa’s most admired brand also highlighted recognition for Dangote Industries’ Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, who was named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Chief Marketing Officers under the ACMO100 list.
The initiative, run in partnership with Brand Africa, African Business magazine, MIPAD and African Media Agency, recognises marketing leaders bolstering brand growth and reputation across the continent and diaspora.
Chiejina was among 17 Nigerians and 20 West African executives selected for the list, based on research covering industry influence, leadership and contribution to brand development.
The latest recognition adds to earlier honours, including Dangote Industries’ induction into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame after years of consistent performance in the rankings.
Aliko Dangote also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to industrialisation and for building one of Africa’s largest indigenous business groups.
