Dangote Industries Limited has further strengthened its standing as one of Africa’s most influential corporate groups, emerging as the continent’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year. In addition, its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Chief Marketing Officers.
The recognition was announced at the 16th Annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The survey, widely regarded as Africa’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand study, spanned 30 countries representing over 85 per cent of the continent’s population and economic activity.
In the latest rankings, Dangote was named Africa’s Most Admired Brand (aided recall), ahead of South Africa’s MTN and Vodacom. It also placed second in the spontaneous recall category, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings. The Group retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the No. 1 African Brand Contributing to a Better Africa, surpassing MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings. This reflects its sustained impact on industrialisation, job creation, economic development and inclusive growth across the continent.
Brand Africa noted that while African brand visibility is gradually improving, locally originated brands still account for only 15 per cent of the Top 100 most admired brands, underscoring the continued dominance of global brands in the African market.
Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, emphasised the importance of strengthening African brand patronage as a key economic priority for the continent, noting that translating confidence in Africa into preference for African brands remains an urgent commercial opportunity.
The survey also ranked Dangote highly in sustainability and social impact, placing it second among brands recognised for contributing positively to society, people, and the environment.
Despite strong global competition, Dangote continues to stand alongside brands such as MTN and Ethiopian Airlines as one of Africa’s leading corporate names. Together, they represent the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 edition of the rankings, which remain largely dominated by global players including Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple, and Coca-Cola.
Further strengthening its corporate reputation, Anthony Chiejina was selected for the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list, which recognises Africa’s most influential marketing and communications leaders.
The initiative, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD, and the African Media Agency, honours executives who are shaping Africa’s brand narrative, enhancing corporate reputation, and contributing to economic growth across the continent and diaspora.
Chiejina was among only 20 West African executives and one of 17 Nigerians selected, reflecting his significant contribution to brand development, strategic communications, and reputation management.
According to Brand Africa, selections were based on independent research, industry impact, leadership influence, and measurable contributions to brand growth and perception across Africa.
This latest recognition adds to Dangote Industries’ growing list of accolades, including its induction into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame for sustained excellence in brand admiration over more than a decade. Its President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to industrialisation and the development of one of Africa’s most successful indigenous enterprises.
