A statement from the Group’s communications unit on Monday indicated that the recognition stemmed from an independent, consumer-driven survey conducted in over 30 African countries. The company earned a place in the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, making history as the first African enterprise to achieve this honour. The recognition highlights Dangote’s influential presence among African consumers and its role in shaping a progressive narrative for the continent.
Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to impactful industrialisation, building a globally recognised African brand, and influencing the continent’s economic transformation through a locally founded enterprise. Alongside Dangote Industries, MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and South Africa were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their consistent presence among Africa’s most admired brands over the past 5 to 15 years and for creating enduring, globally respected identities.
Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, noted that the awards reflect the group’s dedication to innovation, quality, and its growth journey. He attributed the success to the collective effort of the team, partners, and stakeholders who share the company’s mission to foster sustainable development and economic advancement across the continent.
Chiejina expressed gratitude for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Aliko Dangote, recognising his role in creating a purposeful, world-class brand that has made a significant difference in African lives and narratives. He praised Dangote’s visionary approach and his contributions to industrial transformation, job creation, and championing African entrepreneurship globally. The honour, he said, serves as a motivation to continue breaking barriers, supporting communities, and adding value across and beyond Africa. He reiterated the group’s values of excellence, accountability, and transformative progress.
During his keynote address, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Mr. Claver Gatete, commended Dangote, the inductees, and Brand Africa awardees for promoting Africa’s development agenda. He noted that Brand Africa’s work aligns with the ECA’s focus on inclusive industrialisation, integration across the region, and private sector-led growth. Gatete also called for greater investment in youth innovation, value chain development, and the creation of a Pan-African Creative Innovation Fund to support and scale the continent’s most promising brands.
“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 said.
Organisers of the event highlighted that the 2025 rankings reveal a growing sense of optimism among Africans, contrasted with declining brand loyalty. While 68% expressed confidence in the continent, up from 64% in 2024, African brands made up only 11% of the Top 100 Most Admired Brands—a record low, down from 14% in 2024. The findings underscore the urgent need for local brands to convert consumer confidence into loyalty and for increased support of Made-in-Africa goods and services.
“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,” says Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa. “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.”
Source : https://www.channelstv.com/
