*** Inducted into the Brand African Hall of Fame
—- Honours Aliko Dangote with a Lifetime achievement Award
It was another historic milestone for Pan – African Investor Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Industries Limited over the weekend, as they garnered three Prestigious accolades at the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 awards, held at the Iconic Africa Hall in Addis – Ababa, Ethiopia the birthplace of the Organisation of African Unity ( OAU), now the African Union ( AU ).
Dangote Industries Limited was named Most Admired African Brand, following an Independent Consumer – led survey conducted across more than 30 African Countries. The company was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, becoming the first African Firm to receive this distinction. The induction recognises Dangote’s transformative impact on Africa Consumers and it’s Influential role in shaping a positive narrative for the Continent.
President/ Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his leadership in driving impactful industrialisation, establishing a world – class African brand, and reshaping the continent’s economic future through a benchmark, homegrown enterprise.
Joining Dangote Industries in the Inaugural Hall of Fame were MTN, M – Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and South Africa for consistent ranking among Africa’s most admired brands over the past 5 to 15 years and for building sustainable globally respected brands.
Reacting to the awards, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, said the honours reflect the unwavering commitment, excellence, and innovation that defined the group’s journey. He added that the Company’s outstanding team, partners, and stakeholders, who continue to believe in the mission to drive sustainable development and economic growth across the Continent.
“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our Founder and President, Aliko Dangote for building a purposeful transformed African lives and not only his visionary leadership but also his tireless efforts in transforming industries, creating opportunities, and championing African enterprise on the global stage. His legacy is an inspiration to generations of entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa,” he said.
Noting that the recognition would further inspire the company to push boundaries, empower communities and deliver meaningful value across Africa and beyond, Chiejina reaffirmed Dangote Industries commitment to excellence, integrity, and transformative growth.
In his keynote address, United Nations Under – Secretary – General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Mr. Clever Gatete, praised Aliko Dangote, the Hall of Fame Inductees, and Brand African laureates for advancing the African agenda. He highlighted the alignment between Brand and ECA’s mission to promote inclusive industrialisation, regional integration, and private sector – led growth..
He also called for increase investment in Youth Innovation, regional value chains and establishment of a Pan – African Creative Innovation Fund to identify, finance and globalise Africa’s most promising brands.
“I wish to particularly acknowledged M T N, Dangote Group, M – Pesa Ethiopian Airlines for consistently maintaining their distinguished position among the “Most Admired African Brands” Category and continuing to set benchmark in brand leadership, Innovation and Continental Impact,” he said.
According to the organisers, the 2025 ranking reveal a stark contrast between rising African optimism and declining brand loyalty. While 68% of Africa’s expressed belief in the Continent – up from 64% in 2024 – only 11% of the TOP 100 Most Admired Brands are African, marking a historic low and down from 14% in 2024. The report indicated the urgent need for homegrown brands to translate belief into consumer loyalty, and for Africans to more actively Support – Made – in – Africa products and enterprises.
“It is disappointing to see the sharp drop in Africa brands, which mirror the million of non – African nations as the most Influential in Africa, says Thebe Ikalarenga, Founder of Brand Africa. “It’s a wake – up call for Africa – and a barometer of the Continent’s lagging industrialisation agenda. It’s enough for Africa 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 differentiation.
