Dangote Industries Limited, led by prominent Pan-African investor Aliko Dangote, has been recognized as the “Most Admired African Brand” at the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 awards held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia over the weekend.
The company took home three awards and was also inducted into the prestigious Brand Africa Hall of Fame, marking a first for an African firm.
In a statement released Monday, the Group’s communications unit said the awards followed an independent, consumer-led survey conducted across more than 30 African countries.
The Hall of Fame induction acknowledges Dangote’s powerful impact on African consumers and its role in positively shaping Africa’s image.
Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries, also received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award was presented in recognition of his efforts in driving industrialisation, creating a world-class African brand, and advancing the continent’s economic transformation through a homegrown enterprise.
Other inductees into the inaugural Brand Africa Hall of Fame include MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and South Africa, all of which have consistently ranked among Africa’s most admired brands for the past 5 to 15 years and have built sustainable, globally respected identities.
Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer for Dangote Industries, reacted to the accolades, stating “the honours reflect the unwavering commitment, excellence, and innovation that define the group’s journey.”
He added “they are a testament to the dedication of the company’s outstanding team, partners, and stakeholders, who continue to believe in the mission to drive sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.”
Chiejina also expressed appreciation for the Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed upon Dangote, noting “this accolade celebrates not only his visionary leadership but also his tireless efforts in transforming industries, creating opportunities, and championing African enterprise on the global stage. His legacy is an inspiration to generations of entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa.”
Looking ahead, Chiejina emphasized that the recognition would inspire the company to continue pushing boundaries.
“We reaffirm our commitment to excellence, integrity, and transformative growth as we empower communities and deliver meaningful value across Africa and beyond.”
During the event, Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, praised the inductees and Brand Africa laureates for their role in promoting Africa’s progress.
He remarked “I wish to particularly acknowledge MTN, Dangote Group, mPesa and Ethiopian Airlines for consistently maintaining their distinguished positions among the ‘Most Admired African Brands’ category and continuing to set benchmarks in brand leadership, innovation and continental impact.”
He also highlighted the alignment between the Brand Africa initiative and the ECA’s mission to drive inclusive industrialisation, regional integration, and private-sector growth, while calling for more investment in youth-led innovation, value chains, and a Pan-African Creative Innovation Fund.
Despite the positive developments, the 2025 Brand Africa rankings underscored ongoing challenges for African brands.
While belief in Africa rose to 68% from 64% in 2024, only 11% of the Top 100 Most Admired Brands were African, down from 14% the previous year, representing a historic low.
Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, reflected on the findings:
“It is disappointing to see the sharp drop in African brands, which mirrors the ranking of non-African nations as the most influential in Africa.”
He continued “It’s a wake-up call for Africa—and a barometer of the continent’s lagging industrialisation agenda.”
“It’s not enough for Africans to say they believe in the continent, they must buy made-in-Africa. For that to happen, African brands must invest in R&D, continue to innovate, deliver quality, and use authenticity as a differentiator.”
