Aliko Dangote inducted into Brand Africa Hall of Fame, bags Lifetime Achievement Award
Dangote Beats MTN, DSTV to Claim Most Admired Brand in Africa
Aliko Dangote inducted into Brand Africa Hall of Fame, bags Lifetime Achievement Award
Pan-African industrialist Aliko Dangote and his conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited, emerged as the big winners at the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 awards, held at the iconic Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Dangote Industries was crowned Most Admired African Brand, outshining giants like MTN, DSTV, and AZAM, in a consumer-led survey conducted across more than 30 African countries. The group also made history as the first African firm to be inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame—an honour reserved for those who have profoundly shaped Africa’s branding landscape.
Aliko Dangote, the company’s President and CEO, was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering role in driving industrialisation and building a globally respected African brand from the ground up.
Joining Dangote Industries in the inaugural Hall of Fame were MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and the Republic of South Africa, all celebrated for their long-standing excellence and consistent ranking as admired African brands.
Speaking on the triple honours, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer of Dangote Industries, described them as a validation of the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our Founder and President, Aliko Dangote, for building a purposeful world-class industrial brand that has exceptionally transformed African lives and the African narrative,” Chiejina said.
“This accolade celebrates not only his visionary leadership but also his tireless efforts in transforming industries, creating opportunities, and championing African enterprise on the global stage.”
Chiejina added that the recognitions would energise the company to “push boundaries, empower communities, and deliver meaningful value across Africa and beyond,” while reaffirming its commitment to “excellence, integrity, and transformative growth.”
In his keynote address, Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, praised Dangote and the inductees for their contribution to Africa’s development. He noted the synergy between the Brand Africa initiative and the ECA’s mission to promote regional integration, youth innovation, and private sector-led growth.
“I wish to particularly acknowledge MTN, Dangote Group, mPesa and Ethiopian Airlines for consistently maintaining their distinguished positions among the ‘Most Admired African Brands’ and continuing to set benchmarks in brand leadership, innovation and continental impact,” Gatete stated.
However, the 2025 Brand Africa rankings also carried a sobering message. While 68% of Africans expressed belief in the continent—an increase from 64% in 2024—only 11% of the Top 100 Most Admired Brands are African, a historic low and a sharp drop from 14% last year.
Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, said the figures highlight a troubling disconnect between African optimism and actual consumer support for local brands.
“It’s not enough for Africans to say they believe in the continent—they must buy made-in-Africa,” he said.
“African brands must invest in R&D, continue to innovate, deliver quality, and use authenticity as a differentiator.”
The awards serve as both a celebration and a call to action: to elevate African enterprise, earn consumer trust, and turn belief into brand loyalty. Read More
