MTN has retained its position as Africa’s most valuable brand for the 13th consecutive year, posting a brand value of USD 2.9 billion.
The telecommunications giant has held this position through deliberate investment in data services and fintech operations across its 16 markets, where it now serves approximately 301 million subscribers. Its 5G network currently reaches 44 per cent of the population in its operating markets.
The combined value of Africa’s 200 leading brands has grown by 11 per cent to USD62.6 billion in 2026, according to Brand Finance’s latest Africa 200 report. The figures point to sustained momentum across the continent, with banking, telecommunications and retail continuing to drive the bulk of brand value growth.
Commenting on the results, Jeremy Sampson, Chairman of Brand Finance Africa, said the rankings reflect a shift in how African brands see themselves and operate. “Many of the continent’s most valuable brands are no longer defined solely by their domestic markets. They are expanding across borders, exporting African expertise, and increasingly competing with global players on equal footing. Strong African brands not only create shareholder value, but also strengthen the continent’s economic narrative, support intra-African trade, and enhance Africa’s standing on the global stage.”
South Africa remains the dominant force in the ranking. Its 104 brands account for 71 per cent of total brand value at USD44.6 billion, and the country holds all 10 spots in the top 10. That dominance, however, is being tested. The gap between MTN and second-placed Vodacom, valued at USD 2.8 billion, has narrowed considerably. Standard Bank sits third with a brand value of USD2.6 billion, having recorded a 19 per cent increase on the back of growth in corporate and investment banking, higher fee income and steady investment in technology infrastructure. Vodacom’s 9 per cent rise in brand value was driven by its expansion into Egypt and Ethiopia and growing traction across digital platforms including VodaPay, M-Pesa and Vodafone Cash.
Outside South Africa, regional markets are making a stronger case for themselves. Morocco’s 13 brands contributed over USD4.5 billion to the ranking, with Attijariwafa Bank leading the charge after recording a 20 per cent increase in brand value to USD1.3 billion. Egypt brought in USD4.1 billion through 25 brands, Nigeria accounted for USD3.4 billion, and Kenya’s 15 brands generated a combined value of approximately USD2.6 billion. The report notes that while brand value remains concentrated in South Africa, the contribution of regional markets is steadily growing.
On brand strength, Tusker topped the table with a Brand Strength Index score of 97.9 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating, followed by South African retailer Checkers in second place and Clicks in third.
The title of Africa’s fastest-growing brand went to Nigeria’s Seplat Energy, whose brand value surged 119 per cent to USD135 million. The company climbed 46 places in the ranking to 91st position, driven by strong revenue growth, increased production and the successful integration of energy assets. It is a result that signals the growing weight of Nigeria’s energy sector in Africa’s broader brand conversation.
Sustainability is increasingly shaping how African brands are perceived and evaluated. Kenya’s M-PESA was highlighted in the report’s Sustainability Perceptions Index for its environmental, social and governance work. Safaricom’s sustainability reporting shows the platform achieved a 99 per cent recycling rate in 2025 and ran initiatives supporting the collection of electronic waste and plastic through its Green Points programme. Other brands recognised for sustainability performance include Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank, Tusker and South Africa’s Woolworths.
The report also welcomed 14 new entrants to the Africa 200, including OCP Group from Morocco, FCMB Group from Nigeria, CIC Insurance Group and Jubilee Holdings from Kenya, and Yas and Mixx from Tanzania.
