The Dangote Industries Limited was named the Most Admired African Brand at the prestigious 15th Annual Brand Africa 100 Awards, held at the historic Africa Hall in Addis Ababa — the birthplace of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union).
The company clinched three major honours during the ceremony:
- Most Admired African Brand, based on an independent, consumer-led survey spanning over 30 African countries.
- Induction into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, becoming the first African company to earn this recognition;
- Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries, for his pioneering role in industrialisation and the creation of a world-class African brand.
Joining Dangote Industries in the inaugural Brand Africa Hall of Fame were MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and South Africa, all recognized for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands over the last 5 to 15 years and for building sustainable, globally respected reputations.
Reacting to the accolades, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer, said the awards reflect the company’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and sustainable growth.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our Founder, Aliko Dangote. This celebrates his visionary leadership and his tireless efforts in transforming industries, empowering communities, and reshaping the African narrative. His legacy continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and leaders across the continent,” Chiejina stated.
He reaffirmed the group’s resolve to continue delivering value, driving inclusive growth, and pushing boundaries across Africa and beyond.
In his keynote address, Mr. Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), applauded Dangote and other laureates for advancing the African agenda.
He emphasized the synergy between Brand Africa and the ECA’s mission to promote inclusive industrialisation, regional integration, and private-sector-led growth. Gatete also called for strategic investments in youth-driven innovation, regional value chains, and the creation of a Pan-African Creative Innovation Fund to support and globalize emerging African brands.
“I wish to particularly commend MTN, Dangote, M-Pesa, and Ethiopian Airlines for consistently leading as Africa’s most admired brands, and for setting benchmarks in innovation, leadership, and impact,” he said.
While the 2025 Brand Africa rankings show rising continental optimism, they also reveal a troubling trend in consumer loyalty. Although 68% of Africans expressed belief in the continent, up from 64% in 2024, only 11% of the Top 100 Most Admired Brands are African, a historic low and a drop from 14% in 2024.
According to Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa:
“This sharp decline in African brand presence is a wake-up call. It reflects Africa’s lagging industrialisation. Belief in the continent must translate into tangible support for made-in-Africa products. For that to happen, African brands must invest in R&D, deliver quality, innovate relentlessly, and stay true to their identity.”
