Dangote Industries Limited has been named Africa’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year, reinforcing its position as one of the continent’s most influential corporate entities and underscoring its impact on industrialisation, economic development and social transformation across Africa.
The recognition was announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The consumer-led survey, regarded as Africa’s most comprehensive brand study, covered 30 countries representing more than 85 per cent of Africa’s population and economic output.
In the latest rankings, Dangote emerged as Africa’s Most Admired Brand in the aided recall category, ahead of MTN and Vodacom. The conglomerate also ranked second in spontaneous brand recall among African brands, trailing MTN and surpassing Trade Kings.
Dangote Industries further retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the continent’s No. 1 brand contributing to a better Africa.
The recognition places the Group ahead of leading brands including MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings, reflecting its contributions to industrial growth, job creation, economic development and sustainable progress.
The rankings highlight the increasing influence of Dangote as one of Africa’s most recognisable homegrown brands, supported by investments across cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics sectors.
Brand Africa noted that despite a modest improvement in the recognition of African brands, indigenous brands still account for only 15 per cent of Africa’s 100 most admired brands, indicating the continued dominance of foreign brands in the marketplace.
Speaking on the importance of supporting African enterprises, Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, described the promotion of African brands as a critical 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.
The survey also recognised Dangote among Africa’s leading brands in sustainability and social impact, ranking it second among brands acknowledged for making positive contributions to society, people and the environment.
Despite intense competition from global brands, Dangote maintained its status as one of Africa’s leading corporate brands alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines. The three companies emerged as the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 Brand Africa rankings, which were otherwise dominated by international brands such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola.
According to the report, African brands represented only 15 per cent of the Top 100 rankings, compared to 38 per cent for European brands, 28 per cent for North American brands and 19 per cent for Asian brands.
