DANGOTE Industries Limited has been recognized as the Most Admired African Brand at the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 awards, held at the Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The company was also inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, becoming the first African firm to receive this distinction.
The awards were based on an independent, consumer-led survey spanning over 30 African countries. The Hall of Fame induction acknowledges Dangote’s transformative influence on African consumers and its role in shaping a positive continental narrative.
In addition, Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership in driving industrialisation, building a world-class African brand, and advancing the continent’s economic growth through homegrown enterprise.
Other inaugural Hall of Fame inductees included MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and South Africa, recognized for their sustained excellence and global brand impact over the past 5 to 15 years.
Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer at Dangote Industries, expressed gratitude for the honours, stating that they reflect the company’s dedication to innovation, excellence, and sustainable development.
“These accolades are a testament to the hard work of our team, partners, and stakeholders who share our vision for Africa’s economic transformation,” Chiejina said. “We are particularly honoured by the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our Founder, Aliko Dangote, whose visionary leadership has redefined African enterprise on the global stage.”
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries, empowering communities, and delivering value across the continent.
In his keynote address, Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, commended Dangote Industries and fellow honourees for advancing Africa’s economic agenda.
He emphasized the need for increased investment in youth-led innovation, regional value chains, and a Pan-African Creative Innovation Fund to elevate homegrown brands globally.
The 2025 Brand Africa rankings revealed a concerning trend: while 68% of Africans expressed belief in the continent’s potential — up from 64% in 2024 — only 11% of the Top 100 Most Admired Brands were African, marking a historic low.
Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, described the findings as a wake-up call. “Africans must move beyond belief to action by supporting made-in-Africa products,” he said. “African brands must also prioritize innovation, quality, and authenticity to compete effectively.”
Dangote Industries’ recognition underscores its pivotal role in shaping Africa’s industrial landscape and inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.
