BRANDING

Africa’s banking brands are punching above their weight, report finds

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Kenya’s banks experienced a remarkable 49% brand value increase over the past year, while South African banks saw a 24% rise.

African banking brands continue to make a significant impact on the global stage, with an average brand value growth of 22%, strengthening the region’s growing influence in the financial services sector.

South Africa’s Capitec Bank had a 100% increase in brand value. Photo: Capitec

This is according to the latest ‘Banking 500 2025 Report’ by Brand Finance, a global brand valuation consultancy. 

 

The African brands have outperformed many global counterparts, creating US$15.2-billion in brand value in 2025 alone. South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria have led this growth despite economic volatility, currency fluctuations and geopolitical challenges. 

 

Kenya’s banks experienced a remarkable 49% brand value increase, while South Africa saw a 24% rise. Morocco and Nigeria also posted gains of 21% and 16%, respectively. 

 

South African banking giant Capitec Bank led the charge with a 100% increase in brand value, earning top scores on key consumer engagement metrics such as ‘brand love’, ‘brand consideration’ and ‘word of mouth’.  

 

Other standout performers include South Africa’s Nedbank (+37%) and Rand Merchant Bank (+31%), Kenya’s Co-Operative Bank (+36%) and Equity Bank (+23%), and Nigeria’s GTCO (+32%). 

 

Despite these impressive performances, no African banking brands have yet broken into the Top 100 due to weaker currencies and regional economic risks. The highest-ranking African banks remain from South Africa, with Standard Bank at 134, First National Bank at 158, and Absa Bank at 170. 

 

The role of digital banking in Africa’s brand growth 

 

Africa is a global leader in mobile banking, hosting nearly half of the world’s mobile banking accounts, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).  

 

The ongoing adoption of digital banking has fuelled financial inclusion across the continent, enabling banks to reach previously underserved populations, says the Brand Finance report. 

 

It adds that a strong digital banking offering has become crucial in shaping African banks’ brand strength, surpassing traditional considerations like trust and value for money in consumer choices. 

 

“The remarkable rise of African banks in brand rankings highlights the sector’s resilience, innovation and ability to meet evolving consumer needs,” says Jeremy Sampson, Chairman of Brand Finance Africa. 

 

“While global banking giants continue to dominate in absolute brand value, Africa’s banking sector is proving that strong brands, built on trust and digital capabilities, can punch well above their weight on the world stage.” 

 

You can find out more about the report here. 

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.