Five African powerhouses have been inducted into the prestigious Brand Africa Hall of Fame, a recognition reserved for brands that have consistently ranked among the most admired across the continent over the past decade. The 2025 induction highlights the growing influence of homegrown companies in shaping Africa’s economic narrative, consumer behavior, and social development.
The recognition is part of the Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands initiative, an annual survey conducted across over 30 African countries covering more than 85% of the continent’s population and GDP. The newly inducted brands span telecommunications, manufacturing, finance, aviation, and entertainment, underlining the breadth of African excellence.
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1. MTN Group – Telecom Titan with Continental Reach
Headquartered in South Africa, MTN continues to dominate Africa’s telecom sector, operating in 16 countries with over 290 million subscribers. The company was named the Most Admired African Brand overall and also earned the top spot for its social and environmental impact.
MTN’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure, mobile banking, and youth empowerment have positioned it as a critical driver of digital transformation and financial inclusion across Africa.
2. Dangote Group – Industrial Backbone of Africa
Nigeria’s Dangote Group was inducted as the first African industrial conglomerate to enter the Hall of Fame. Founded by Aliko Dangote, the company has become synonymous with large-scale manufacturing and intra-African trade, with operations spanning cement, sugar, flour, and other core industries.
Aliko Dangote was also honored with the Brand Africa Lifetime Achievement Award for his role in reshaping Africa’s industrial landscape and championing self-sufficiency through manufacturing.
3. M‑Pesa – Fintech Pioneer from Kenya
Originally launched by Safaricom and Vodafone, M-Pesa has revolutionized the digital finance sector in East Africa and beyond. With a simple mobile platform, M‑Pesa democratized financial access for millions, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Its impact on financial inclusion has been globally acknowledged, and its Hall of Fame status reflects the brand’s long-standing innovation in digital banking and peer-to-peer transfers.
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4. Ethiopian Airlines – Aviation Excellence
Ethiopian Airlines remains one of Africa’s most successful and admired airlines. With a modern fleet and a strategic hub in Addis Ababa, it has connected African countries with each other and with the rest of the world more reliably than any other regional carrier.
The airline’s inclusion in the Hall of Fame celebrates not only its commercial achievements but also its contributions to Africa’s global visibility and connectivity.
5. DStv (MultiChoice) – Champion of African Entertainment
South Africa-based DStv, owned by MultiChoice, is the continent’s leading satellite television provider. Recognized as the Most Admired African Media Brand, DStv has played a key role in promoting African storytelling through platforms like Africa Magic and SuperSport.
Its induction reflects DStv’s cultural influence, content localization strategy, and commitment to investing in original African programming across genres.
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Significance of the Hall of Fame
The Brand Africa Hall of Fame honors brands that not only lead in their sectors but also maintain enduring relationships with consumers. Selection is based on consistent top rankings in the Brand Africa 100 over a period of five to fifteen years.
This year’s inductees demonstrate how African brands are not only competing globally but are also anchoring their societies through innovation, resilience, and cultural relevance.
Looking Ahead
As African economies continue to diversify and digitize, these brands serve as models of sustainable success. Their recognition in the Hall of Fame underscores the rising confidence in African enterprise and the power of brands to shape the continent’s future.
