Dangote Industries Limited has been named Africa’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year, according to the latest Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The recognition was announced during the 16th annual Brand Africa awards, a consumer-led survey covering 30 African countries that account for more than 85 per cent of the continent’s population and economic output.

According to the rankings, Dangote topped the aided recall category as Africa’s most admired brand, ahead of MTN and Vodacom. In the spontaneous recall category, the company ranked second behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.

The company also maintained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the continent’s leading brand contributing to a better Africa. The recognition reflects its impact on industrialisation, job creation, economic development and sustainable growth across several sectors.

Dangote’s business interests span cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics, helping to establish it as one of Africa’s most recognised corporate brands.

Brand Africa noted that African brands account for only 15 per cent of the continent’s 100 most admired brands, highlighting the continued dominance of foreign companies in African markets.

Speaking at the event, Brand Africa founder and chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, stressed the importance of supporting African-made products and businesses.

“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 ranked Dangote second among brands recognised for making positive contributions to society, people and the environment.

Dangote was listed alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines as the highest-ranked African brands in the 2026 rankings. The wider list was dominated by global brands including Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola.

The company’s Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was also named among the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100), which honours influential marketing and communications leaders across the continent.

Only 20 executives from West Africa made the list, with Chiejina among 17 Nigerians recognised for their contributions to brand building, corporate reputation management and strategic communications.

The latest honour adds to a growing list of accolades for Dangote Industries. The company was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame in 2025 for consistently ranking among the continent’s most admired brands over more than a decade.

Its President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his role in advancing industrialisation and building one of Africa’s most successful indigenous enterprises.