Dangote crowned Africa's most respected brand for the eighth year running

Africa's corporate landscape has once again been dominated by Dangote Industries Limited, as the company has been named the continent's most admired African brand for the eighth year in a row, solidifying its position as a leading corporate brand.

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This recognition was accompanied by the naming of Anthony Chiejina, the company's Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, as one of Africa's 100 most influential chief marketing officers, a testament to the company's strong brand management.

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The announcement was made at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa's Best Brands rankings, which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is considered the most comprehensive consumer-led brand study in Africa, covering 30 countries and over 85 per cent of the continent's population and economic output.

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In the latest rankings, Dangote Industries Limited emerged as the most admired brand in aided recall, surpassing South Africa's MTN and Vodacom, while also ranking second in spontaneous recall among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.

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The company 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, reflecting its significant contribution to the continent's industrialisation, job creation, and economic development.

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Dangote Industries Limited's growing influence as a recognisable corporate brand can be attributed to its investments in various sectors, including cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging, and logistics, which have cemented its position as one of Africa's most admired brands.

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Despite the modest rebound in African brand recognition, homegrown brands still only account for 15 per cent of Africa's 100 most admired brands, highlighting the continued dominance of foreign brands across the continent, according to Brand Africa.

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Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, has emphasised the importance of promoting and supporting African brands, stating that converting goodwill towards African contribution into admiration for African brands is a critical economic imperative for the continent.

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Ikalafeng also noted that it is not enough for Africans to believe in Africa, they must also buy Made-in-Africa products, highlighting the need for Africans to support local brands and contribute to the continent's economic growth.

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The survey also ranked Dangote Industries Limited among Africa's leading brands in sustainability and social impact, placing second in the category of brands recognised for doing good for society, people, and the environment, demonstrating the company's commitment to responsible business practices.

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Despite the dominance of global brands across Africa, Dangote Industries Limited has emerged as one of the continent's leading corporate brands, alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines, with the three companies standing out on a list dominated by global names such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple, and Coca-Cola.

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The achievement is notable given that African brands accounted for just 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, highlighting the need for African brands to increase their visibility and competitiveness.

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Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, was selected for the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list, which recognises the continent's most impactful marketing, brand, and reputation leaders, in recognition of his contribution to brand building and corporate reputation management.

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The ACMO100 initiative, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD, and the African Media Agency, aims to honour marketing executives whose work is shaping Africa's business narrative, strengthening brand equity, and driving economic growth across the continent and the diaspora.

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Chiejina was among only 20 executives selected from West Africa and one of 17 Nigerians recognised for their contribution to brand building, corporate reputation management, and strategic communications, demonstrating the company's strong leadership and expertise in brand management.

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The selection process for the ACMO100 list was based on independent research, industry impact, leadership influence, and contribution to the growth of brands that shape consumer perceptions and economic outcomes across Africa, ensuring that only the most deserving executives are recognised.

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The latest recognition adds to a growing list of honours for Dangote Industries Limited, which was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame last year for consistently ranking among Africa's most admired brands over more than a decade, a testament to the company's enduring legacy and commitment to excellence.

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Aliko Dangote, the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for championing industrialisation and building one of Africa's most successful indigenous enterprises, demonstrating his vision and leadership in driving the company's success.