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.

At the same time, destinations like Ethiopia are rapidly emerging as hubs for tourism, investment, and trade, raising the stakes for national carriers to leave a lasting positive impression on travelers.

To meet these challenges head-on, Ethiopian Airlines and SITA have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-develop innovative solutions that strengthen the airline’s operations and enhance the passenger experience.

The collaboration will tap into startups, technology providers, business accelerators, and industry partners to identify key challenges and create fresh, forward-looking solutions tailored to the airline’s needs.

“Ethiopia is realizing its ambition to become a sophisticated, dynamic destination for investment, trade, and tourism. Ethiopian Airlines plays a central role in making that vision a reality,” said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO. “Creating the best first and last impressions for business and leisure travelers is crucial, and this partnership puts us in the best position to deliver exceptional experiences while taking full advantage of the opportunities ahead.”

“Africa is experiencing unprecedented growth in air travel just as passengers’ expectations are being reshaped by rapid advances in digital technology,” said Selim Bouri, President, Middle East & Africa, SITA. “Hubs like Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport need to provide a frictionless passenger journey so airlines can optimize flight schedules and deliver smooth, memorable trips. This collaboration between Ethiopian Airlines and SITA is all about driving the innovation needed to meet these demands and help shape the future of African aviation.”

This agreement will provide Ethiopian Airlines with dedicated on-site stock in Addis-Abeba, access to Airbus material pools worldwide, as well as repair and engineering support for a wide range of critical rotable parts.

By leveraging Airbus’ extensive engineering expertise, Ethiopian Airlines will benefit from guaranteed component availability, rapid access to essential parts, and optimised maintenance processes.

This will ensure minimal aircraft downtime and maximise operational reliability across its global network.

Retta Melaku, chief operating officer of Ethiopian Airlines, said:

“As the first African operator of the A350 Family, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of performance and reliability across our fleet. Partnering long-term with Airbus through this FHS agreement will help us optimise operations, reduce maintenance-related delays, and ensure our passengers continue to experience the best in safety, comfort, and service.”

Laurent Negre, vice president of Customer Services for Airbus Africa and Middle East, said:

“This partnership reinforces Airbus’ commitment to delivering tailor-made maintenance solutions that support airlines in achieving the highest levels of operational efficiency. We are proud to support Ethiopian Airlines with our Flight Hour Services solution to enhance fleet reliability and streamline maintenance operations for its A350s.”

Ethiopian Airlines has been a long-standing Airbus partner and was the first African carrier to operate both A350-900, in June 2016 and A350-1000, which entered service in November 2024.

Airbus Flight Hour Services (FHS) provides a comprehensive maintenance solution designed to help airlines ensure component reliability and availability while controlling maintenance costs.

Through a combination of pooled inventory, on-site stock, and tailored repair and engineering support, FHS helps carriers optimise operations and improve fleet reliability.

More than 1,400 aircraft worldwide are currently covered by Airbus FHS agreements.

The first of its kind to be operated by an African-based operator, the A350-1000 will enable Ethiopian Airlines to enhance its premium service on key destinations including Washington D.C., London, Paris and Frankfurt.

To date, Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of 21 A350 Family aircraft. A total of 14 additional A350 aircraft are set to join the airline’s fleet in the coming years, including 11 A350-900 and three additional A350-1000. The A350-1000 will provide great operational commonality with the A350-900 fleet, ensuring seamless integration with shared pilots and mechanics simplifying training and maintenance processes.

With a total capacity of 395 seats, the A350-1000 will increase Ethiopian Airlines’ passenger capacity and provide enhanced passenger experience in the largest business class cabin in the airline’s fleet. Ethiopian Airlines will also introduce Airbus’ new HBCplus satcom connectivity solution, offering seamless, high-speed gate-to-gate connectivity.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long-range leader in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort.

The A350’s unique Airspace cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle in the sky featuring a 50% noise footprint reduction versus the previous generation aircraft. It offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience. The aircraft’s new generation engines and use of lightweight materials make it the most fuel efficient large widebody aircraft.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

By the end of September 2024, 1,340 A350s had been ordered by 60 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever. Click here for more information on the A350 Family.

On Monday, January 1st 2024, the Company started providing Ramp handling services, Cargo handling services & Warehousing services and other aviation related services to the airline.

Although SAHCO has been responsible for providing Cargo Handling and Warehousing services to Ethiopian Airlines from 2016 in Lagos, and full handling in Kano, the procurement of State-of-the-art equipment fitted with the latest technology; well trained and customer friendly staff; seamless, safe and speedy service delivery has made them pick SAHCO as their new preferred handler at the Cargo Ramp in Lagos.

Ethiopian Airlines is the flag carrier of Ethiopia and is wholly owned by the Ethiopian government with its hub in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest Airline in terms of passengers carried, destinations served, fleet size and revenue and they have been flying into Nigeria for over 30 years.

According to Basil Agboarumi, the managing director/CEO, SAHCO,

“SAHCO’s choice as the preferred ground handling company for full Ethiopian Airlines’ operations at the Cargo Ramp in Lagos is due to its pedigree and brilliant track record over the years. SAHCO has been providing Cargo Services & Warehousing for Ethiopian Airlines for quite a while now and we have displayed a high level of professionalism according to global best practices. This has instilled the trust and confidence which has influenced their decision to move their ground handling contract to us”.

He hinted further that with this business partnership between SAHCO and Ethiopian Airlines, customers are assured of speedy, safe and seamless ramp and cargo movements as they do business with the airline.

With this new contract, SAHCO has increased the number of airlines that has moved their ground handling contract to SAHCO to enjoy the unrivaled services that SAHCO is reputed for.

It is worthy to note that the Company as a PLC is ISAGO, RA3 and ISO:9001:2015 certified and the only aviation ground handling service provider that is present in all the commercially operated airports in Nigeria providing services in Passenger Handling, Cargo Handling and Warehousing, Ramp Handling, Aviation security, Crew Administration and Premium Lounge Services.

Uganda Airlines which is the flag carrier of the Republic of Uganda would be flying from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda thrice a week to Lagos, Nigeria.

The airline that is rated at the top of the list of the youngest fleets of the world airlines is also known as the Uganda National Airlines Company.

Mr. Patrick Ziwa, the Ugandan Country Manager said concerning the partnership between SAHCO and Uganda Airlines that they are happy and blessed to be in Nigeria starting from the 19th of October, 2023. He went on to say that Uganda Airlines is excited about working with SAHCO, partnering with SAHCO and also supporting SAHCO during this novel journey.

SAHCO has been able to attract and retain the confidence of both her existing airlines and new airlines due to the seamless, safe and speedy service delivery which SAHCO is known for.

SAHCO is the only Aviation Ground Handling company that is present in all the commercially operated airports in Nigeria.

In recent times, many foreign airlines have moved their aviation ground handling operations to SAHCO so as to enjoy being handled by a loyal and dedicated workforce who are well trained and whose integrity is undoubtable, delivering their activities in line with global best practices.

Also, SAHCO has invested on modern aviation ground support equipment (GSE) which operate on alternative power sources and are rugged to enable effective maneuvering in the Nigerian terrain.

These GSE are also equipped with the technology to guarantee zero carbon emission to ensure the commitment of SAHCO to protecting the environment. Among these is the first ever Cool Dollies which are used to convey temperature sensitive shipment from the aircraft to the warehouse to safeguard that the shipments are not denatured.

In the same vein, Ibom Air has signed an aviation ground handling contract with SAHCO to handle her regional flights starting with the Lagos to Accra route which also commenced on October 17, 2023 by providing Passenger handling services, Baggage handling services, Ramp handling services, Cargo handling services and Premium Lounge services.

Despite operating in a challenging industry, SAHCO ensures that the focus is to confirm operational excellence which has helped in the handling of an array of aviation clients that enjoy customer specific services that are unique to them.

This has enabled SAHCO to be the leading player in the Nigerian aviation landscape by providing services to Aero Contractors, African World Airways, Air Cote D’Ivoire, KLM, Air France, Air Peace, Arik Air, Allied Air, Badr Airlines, Bristol Helicopters, British Airlines, Camair-Co, Caverton Helicopters, Dana Air, DHL Aviation, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Execujets, Green Africa Airlines, Ibom Air, Inter Air, Max Air, Middle East Airlines, Overland Airways, South African Airways, TAAG Angola, Tarco Airlines, United Airlines, United Nigeria, Airlines, XE Jet, Value Jet, Virgin Atlantic Cargo.

Since aviation is all about safety, SAHCO has ensured that the organization is RA3 certified, ISAGO certified and ISO9001 certified.

It is worthy to note that SAHCO is also the recipient of numerous awards both locally and internationally due to its quality service delivery in aviation ground handling operations in Nigeria.

Although the specific reasons for his unexpected departure have not yet been disclosed, it has been confirmed that Wake has indeed stepped down from his role.

Girma Wake joined the Ethiopian Airlines board in 2018 and assumed the position of board chairman in April 2022, coinciding with the appointment of Mesfin Tasew as the group CEO, replacing Tewolde Gebremariam.

Wake is credited with playing a pivotal role in propelling Ethiopia towards becoming the largest carrier on the continent, competing with major airlines globally.

Having served the airline for over 30 years, including a tenure as CEO from 2004 to January 2011, Wake holds an esteemed reputation in the African aviation industry.

He also held positions as the board chairman of Rwanda Air and served as an advisor to the Minister of Transport in Rwanda. Additionally, Wake provided advisory services on aviation matters to the President of Togo.

Before his return to Africa, Girma Wake gained experience while working with Gulf Air and DHL in the Middle East. Known as a “straight talker,” he is highly respected for his straightforward approach.

While he supports government backing for the airline industry, he strongly opposes government interference in the operational aspects of airlines.

There have been concerns raised by stakeholders in the aviation sector regarding controversies surrounding the acquisition of aircraft used for the establishment of Nigeria Air, the national carrier

The aircraft, previously believed to be owned by Nigeria in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on May 26th, 2023.

Controversy arose following reports that the aircraft used for the Nigeria Air launch was an older Ethiopian Airlines plane.

However, Olumide appeared before lawmakers on Tuesday to clarify the misconceptions surrounding the aircraft used during the launch, confirming that it was indeed chartered from Ethiopian Airlines.

The acting MD emphasized that his primary objective is to obtain an operating license for Nigeria Air, which is still in its early stages.

During his testimony, Olumide addressed the technical aspects of Nigeria Air, stating, “I am pleased to be here to dispel the misunderstandings surrounding Nigeria Air. This airline was initially launched with its logo in 2018, and various developments have occurred since then that are beyond my control.”

Responding to Senator Olujimi, Chairperson of the Committee on Aviation, Olumide explained that the chartered aircraft in question did not require a license as it was a hired flight.

He further clarified, “If any one of us were to have a destination wedding in Senegal, we could charter an aircraft without the need for a license. You simply pay for the charter, and the aircraft transports your passengers.

That is precisely what we did. In this case, the purpose was to unveil the real aircraft, as all previous representations of Nigeria Air since 2018 were limited to pictures and drawings. It was crucial for our institutional investors, who are not aviation experts but have committed their funds for long-term returns, to see the actual aircraft.”

Regarding the Ethiopian registration of the aircraft, Olumide explained, “To operate aircraft in Nigeria, they must be registered with the Nigerian authorities by November 5th.

Since the chartered flight arrived and departed within a few days, it was not registered by that deadline. As part of our licensing process, we need to have three Nigerian-registered aircraft before the NCAA grants us a license.”

Olumide also highlighted the procedural steps involved in obtaining a license, mentioning the need to interview new post holders, such as directors of maintenance or chief pilots, which requires going back to phase one of the process. He emphasized that this is a normal and necessary practice and does not imply any wrongdoing.

In conclusion, Olumide addressed the mistaken perception that Nigeria Air had been officially launched due to the chartered flight, noting that there were knowledgeable individuals in the aviation industry who could have countered this on social media but chose not to do so