*Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, is honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame at a ceremony in held the iconic Africa Hall, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Describing the event as another historic milestone for Pan-African investor Aliko Dangote and 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.

Addis Ababa is the birthplace of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).

At the event held Friday, May 23, 2025, in Ethiopia, Dangote Industries Limited disclosed the organisers named Dangote Group “Most Admired African Brand”, following an independent, consumer-led survey conducted across over 30 African countries.

Dangote stated that the company was also inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, becoming the first African firm to receive this distinction.

The induction recognises Dangote鈥檚 transformative impact on African consumers and its influential role in shaping a positive narrative for the continent.

Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his leadership in driving impactful industrialisation, establishing a world-class African brand, and reshaping the continent鈥檚 economic future through a benchmark, homegrown enterprise.

How Dangote beats other sustainable, globally respected brands

Joining Dangote Industries in the inaugural Hall of Fame were MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and South Africa, for consistently ranking among Africa鈥檚 most admired brands over the past 5 to 15 years and for building sustainable, globally respected brands.

Reacting to the awards, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, said the honours reflected the unwavering commitment, excellence, and innovation that define the group鈥檚 journey.

Chiejina stated that they are a testament to the dedication of the company鈥檚 outstanding team, partners, and stakeholders, who continue to believe in the mission to drive sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.

He also noted: “We also 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.

“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.

“His legacy is an inspiration to generations of entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa.”

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鈥� 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 Claver Gatete, praised Aliko Dangote, the Hall of Fame inductees, and the Brand Africa laureates for advancing the African agenda.

He highlighted the alignment between Brand Africa and the ECA鈥檚 mission to promote inclusive industrialisation, regional integration, and private sector-led growth. Gatete also advocated increased investment in youth-led innovation, regional value chains, and the establishment of a Pan-African Creative Innovation Fund to identify, finance, and globalise Africa鈥檚 most promising brands.

He stated: “I wish to particularly acknowledge MTN, Dangote Group, mPesa and Ethiopian Airlines for consistently maintaining their distinguished positions among the 鈥淢ost Admired African Brands鈥� category and continuing to set benchmarks in brand leadership, innovation and continental impact.”

According to the organisers, the 2025 rankings reveal a stark contrast between rising African optimism and declining brand loyalty.

While 68% of Africans expressed belief in the continent鈥攗p from 64% in 2024鈥攐nly 11% of the Top 100 Most Admired Brands are African, marking a historic low and down from 14% in 2024.

The report indicates 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.

Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, said: 鈥淚t is disappointing to see the sharp drop in African brands, which mirrors the ranking of non-African nations as the most influential in Africa.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a wake-up call for Africa鈥攁nd a barometer of the continent鈥檚 lagging industrialisation agenda. It鈥檚 not enough for Africans to say they believe in the continent鈥攖hey 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.鈥�

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