By Maryam Shuaibu
Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has been named Africa’s most admired African brand for the eighth consecutive year in the latest Brand Africa 100 rankings released in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The company also retained its position as Africa’s most admired industrial brand and was ranked the top African brand contributing to a better society and environment.
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The rankings were announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands event, based on a 2026 survey covering consumer perceptions across 30 African countries, representing more than 85 per cent of the continent’s population and economic output.
Strong performance across categories
Dangote emerged as Africa’s most admired brand in the aided recall category, ahead of MTN and Vodacom.
It also ranked second in spontaneous brand recall among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.
Brand Africa said the ranking reflects Dangote’s presence across multiple sectors, including cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics.
The company also placed second among brands recognised for contributing positively to society, people and the environment.
Despite a slight improvement in the performance of African brands, Brand Africa noted that indigenous brands accounted for only 15 per cent of the continent’s top 100 most admired brands in 2026.
The organisation’s founder and chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, said stronger support for African brands remains critical to the continent’s economic development.
“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.
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Recognition for Dangote leadership
The rankings also recognised Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries, as one of Africa’s 100 most influential chief marketing officers.
He was among 20 executives selected from West Africa and one of 17 Nigerians included in the inaugural Africa CMO 100 list, which recognises brand and marketing leaders across the continent.
Brand Africa said the selection was based on independent research, industry impact, leadership influence and contributions to brand development and reputation management.
The latest recognition adds to a series of accolades for the company, including induction into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame for consistent performance among the continent’s most admired brands.
Brand Africa also said Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of the group, received a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to industrialisation in Africa.