Dangote Emerges as Africa’s Most Admired Brand, Chiejina Makes Top 100 Influential CMOs List
Dangote Industries Limited has strengthened its reputation as one of Africa’s leading corporate brands after emerging as Africa’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year. The company’s Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was also named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs).
The recognition was announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The survey, widely regarded as Africa’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand study, covered 30 countries representing more than 85 per cent of the continent’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. In the spontaneous recall category, the company ranked second among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.
Dangote also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the No. 1 African Brand Contributing to a Better Africa, ahead of MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings. The ranking reflects the company’s contribution to industrialisation, job creation, economic development and sustainable growth across the continent.
The latest survey underscores Dangote’s growing influence as one of Africa’s most recognisable corporate brands, driven by investments across sectors including cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics.
Brand Africa noted that despite a modest improvement in African brand recognition, homegrown brands account for only 15 per cent of Africa’s 100 most admired brands, highlighting the continued dominance of foreign brands in the market.
Speaking on the findings, Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, described the promotion of African brands as an economic necessity for the continent.
“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 was also ranked among Africa’s leading brands in sustainability and social impact, placing second in the category of brands recognised for making positive contributions to society, people and the environment.
Despite the dominance of global brands, Dangote, MTN and Ethiopian Airlines emerged as the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 Brand Africa rankings. The trio stood out on a list largely dominated by international brands such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola.
The achievement is particularly significant as African brands accounted for only 15 per cent of the Top 100 rankings, compared with 38 per cent for European brands, 28 per cent for North American brands and 19 per cent for Asian brands.
Further reinforcing the company’s reputation, Anthony Chiejina was selected for the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list, which recognises the continent’s most influential marketing, brand and reputation leaders.
The ACMO100 initiative, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD and the African Media Agency, honours marketing executives whose work is shaping Africa’s business narrative, strengthening brand equity and driving economic growth across the continent and the diaspora.
Chiejina was among only 20 executives selected from West Africa and one of 17 Nigerians recognised for their contributions to brand building, corporate reputation management and strategic communications.
According to Brand Africa, the selection process was based on independent research, industry impact, leadership influence and contributions to the growth of brands that shape consumer perceptions and economic outcomes across Africa.
The latest recognition adds to a growing list of honours for Dangote Industries. The company was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame in 2025 for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands for more than a decade. Its President and Chief Executive Officer, Aliko Dangote, also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his role in championing industrialisation and building one of Africa’s most successful indigenous enterprises.