Africa's top brands boosted by $62.6 billion surge in banking, telecom and retail power

• Banking, telecoms and retail drive value of top 200 African brands
• Tusker: The strongest African brand with a BSI score of 97.9/100 and a AAA+ brand strength rating
• 119% increase in brand value: Seplat Energy is Africa's fastest growing brand
• M-PESA leads ESG engagement among African brands
• 14 new African brands join this year's ranking

Africa's top 200 brands are set to grow by 11% to a combined value of $62.6 billion in 2026, driven by strong performance in the banking, telecommunications and retail sectors. Africa 200 2026 Report Brand Valuation Consultancy, by Brand Finance.

South Africa continues to dominate Africa's brand landscape, accounting for 71% of total brand value, with 104 brands worth $44.6 billion, driven by the scale and sophistication of its banking, telecommunications and retail sectors and is home to all of the top 10 most valuable brands in this year's ranking.

While MTN maintains its position as Africa's most valuable brand for the 13th year running^th Year on year, the gap separating MTN from second-place Vodacom and third-place Standard Bank has narrowed significantly. At its peak in 2022, MTN was 100% more valuable than Vodacom and 156% more valuable than Standard Bank.

By 2026, these gains had narrowed to 6% and 13% respectively, indicating intense competition at the top of the rankings.

emerging african brands

Additionally, a section of emerging regional markets is holding its own: Morocco's 13 brands account for just over 7% ($4.5 billion), led by Attijariwafa Bank (up 20% to $1.3 billion), Egypt's account for 6.6% ($4.1 billion) with 25 brands, led by the National Bank of Egypt (up 10% to $788 million), while Nigeria's The contribution is 5.5% ($3.4 billion), driven by strong growth. Seplet Energy (up 119% to $135 million), the fastest growing African brand.

Kenya's 15 brands contribute about 4% ($2.6 billion), and continue to outperform in terms of brand strength, with Tusker ranked as Africa's strongest brand. Overall, Africa's brand landscape is highly concentrated but gaining momentum in key regional markets.

MTN remains Africa's most valuable brand at 13th position^th Year-to-date, its brand value remains stable at $2.9 billion, supported by continued growth in data and fintech and consistent execution across its 16 markets. With over 307 million customers, the brand is continuously expanding its reach and relevance.

Vodacom is in second place, with its brand value rising 9% to $2.8 billion, driven by geographical expansion in Egypt and Ethiopia and growing contribution from digital platforms such as Vodafone, M-Pesa and Vodafone Cash, cementing its growth as a broader digital ecosystem player.

Standard Bank ranked third with a 19% increase in brand value to $2.6 billion, driven by strong performance in corporate and investment banking, increased fees and trading income and continued investment in technology infrastructure, enhancing customer experience while strengthening brand visibility through high-profile partnerships.

expansion across borders

Jeremy Sampson, President of Brand Finance Africa, said, “This year's Africa 200 ranking reflects the growing confidence of pan-African brands. Many of the continent's most valuable brands are no longer defined solely by their home markets. They are expanding across borders, exporting African expertise and competing with global players on an equal footing.”

“This growth has significance beyond commercial success. Strong African companies not only create shareholder value, but also strengthen the continent's economic narrative, support intra-African trade, and enhance Africa's position on the global stage. The progress is clear: intra-African trade went from about 3% in the late 1950s to about 20% today, and the pace continues to grow.”

Africa's strongest brands

Tusker ranks as Africa's strongest brand, achieving a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 97.9/100 and a AAA+ rating. Its leadership is driven by exceptional performance in familiarity, preference and reputation, reflecting deep cultural resonance and strong emotional connection with consumers in its home market, supported by consistent brand building and enduring loyalty.

Checkers is ranked second with a BSI score of 97.0/100 and a AAA+ rating, based on a compelling blend of reliability and premium value proposition focused on quality, innovation and convenience. This position is further strengthened by Shoprite Group's scale and advanced digital capabilities, which continues to expand customer reach and engagement.

Due to the high level of trust in the health and beauty category, Clicks is ranked third, also achieving a AAA+ rating with a BSI score of 96.6/100. Its performance is underpinned by the continued expansion of its omnichannel ecosystem and the success of its Clubcard loyalty program, which enables more personalized offers and fosters ongoing, long-term customer relationships.

Seplet Energy is Africa's fastest growing brand in 2026, with its brand value increasing 119% to USD135 million, rising 46 places to 91.^{scheduled tribe}. Growth is driven by strong financial performance, with revenues increasing by 204% in the first nine months of 2025, supported by higher production and asset integration.

Projects like ANOH as well as its repositioning as an 'energy transition champion' have strengthened its role in Nigeria's gas-based energy transition and broader sustainability agenda.

Other notable brands Africa 200 2026 report

• Kassel (South Africa) – 16th place^th
• Old Mutual (South Africa) – 20th place^th
• Equity Bank (Kenya) – 31st place^{scheduled tribe}
• Access Bank (Nigeria) – 34th place^th
• Kenya Commercial Bank (Kenya) – 42nd place^Ra
• Safaricom (Kenya) – 45th place^th
• Flour Mills Nigeria (Nigeria) – 55th place^th
• Springboks Rugby (South Africa) – 80th place^th

14 new brands arrived Africa 200 Report for 2026

1. Savannah (South Africa) – 14th place^th
2. OCP Group (Morocco) – 30th place^th
3. Valterra Platinum (South Africa) – 51st place^{scheduled tribe}
4. Yas (Tanzania) – 61st place^{scheduled tribe}
5. Sanral (South Africa) – 84th place^th
6. FCMB Group (Nigeria) – 125^th
7. Owio (Egypt) – 149th place^th
8. Alexbank (Egypt) – Rank 152^Ra
9. Mixx (Tanzania) – Rank 163^third
10. Raya Auto (Egypt) – 165th rank^th
11. AVI (South Africa) – 191st place^{scheduled tribe}
12. CIC Insurance Group (Kenya) – 195th place^th
13. Gulf Bank Alegria (Algeria) – 196th place^th
14. Jubilee Holdings (Kenya) – 200th rank^th

sustainability concepts

The 2026 Sustainability Perception Index reveals which brands have the strongest commitment to sustainability globally, the growing role of sustainability in driving demand, and the substantial value attached to sustainability for the world's largest brands.

M-PESA's sustainability credentials demonstrate how strong ESG performance can deepen trust and support long-term brand value. According to Safaricom's Sustainable Business Report, M-Pesa achieved a 99% recycling rate by 2025, collecting 190 tonnes of e-waste and 62 tonnes of plastic through M-Pesa Green Points. This program rewards users for eco-friendly actions.

Socially, the brand has strengthened financial inclusion in disadvantaged areas, improving access to education and health care. From a governance perspective, M-PESA has also helped in identifying illegal activities including poaching and money laundering associated with transactions on its platform.

Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank and Kenya's Tusker, along with South Africa's Woolworths, also form strong sustainability perceptions among African brands.

To read an overview of the Brand Finance Africa 200 2026 report, Click here.