Landmark gathering gets underway with delegates from over 30 countries
Opening plenary hears that securing Africa’s economic future requires businesses to discover new customers and cross-border opportunities.
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.
Pre-conference masterclass discusses taking African brands to the world
Participants challenged to identify, articulate and commercialise the cultural assets that make their brand ready for a global audience.
Africa’s first Sports Direct retail store opens its doors in Nairobi
Second outlet planned for Nairobi before year end, with Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco said to be future target markets.
Search is fragmenting – credibility and trust create the new visibility
Online search behaviour has changed significantly with the rise of AI. How can African brands adapt to this new marketing landscape?
The move toward future-ready food packaging where materials meet AI
Researchers propose a framework for packaging that senses, learns and acts – making packaging an active, AI-powered tool against food waste.
Malawi’s marketers urged to put trust at the heart of the profession
Country needs marketers to build recognition and consumer trust around Malawian products and national brand, says Deputy Minister.
Lingerie brand creates street-stopping advertising in Manhattan
Fashion brand suspends giant lingerie high above the city’s streets, using shadows to create a moving billboard for pedestrians and motorists.
We know AI influencers aren’t real – so why do we trust them?
Researchers describe AI influencers as having a ‘dual identity’. Consumers evaluate both ‘person’ and ‘technology’ identities at once.
Why trust has become a critical asset for hotel industry marketers
Reputation and trust, once modest influences on hotel choice, have become some of the strongest predictors of patronage, study finds.
FNB bank’s eBucks programme dominates the 2026 SA loyalty awards
South African brands are increasingly setting the global benchmark for customer loyalty strategies, organisers say.
Zambia’s strongest creative ideas are emerging from local truths
Global influences among younger consumers are still present, but they are being filtered through a distinctly Zambian lens.