BRAND VALUATION

MTN is Africa’s most valuable brand, Tusker is its strongest brand

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2026

Latest Africa-wide study finds South Africa still dominates the brand landscape, with Morocco and Egypt bubbling under.

Africa’s top 200 brands have grown by 11% to reach a combined value of US$62.6-billion in 2026, driven by strong performance across the banking, telecoms and retail sectors. This is according to the ‘Africa 200 2026’ report by brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance.

 

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

Kenyas tusker is africas strongest brand

Kenya’s Tusker is Africa’s strongest brand. Photo: Flickr

While MTN maintains its position as Africa’s most valuable brand for the 13th consecutive year, the gap separating MTN from second-placed Vodacom and third-ranked 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, this lead had narrowed to just 6% and 13% respectively, signalling intensifying competition at the top of the ranking.

 

Beyond this, a tier of emerging regional markets is gaining ground: Morocco’s 13 brands contribute just over 7% of brand value, led by Attijariwafa Bank (brand value up 20%).

 

Egypt holds 6.6% of brand value with 25 brands, anchored by National Bank of Egypt (up 10% in value), while Nigeria accounts for 5.5%, driven by strong growth from Seplat Energy (up 119%), the fastest-growing African brand.

 

Kenya’s 15 brands contribute around 4%, and continue to outperform on brand strength, with Tusker ranked as Africa’s strongest brand (brand strength is based on different metrics to brand value).

 

“Overall, Africa’s brand landscape remains highly concentrated but is showing increasing momentum across key regional markets,” Brand Finance comments.

 

Brand Strength Index (BSI)

 

Tusker beer’s ranking as Africa’s strongest brand is achieved with a BSI score of 97.9/100. “Its leadership is driven by exceptional performance across 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,” the report states.

 

South Africa’s Checkers supermarket chain is second with a BSI score of 97.0/100. Brand Finance says it is “underpinned by a compelling blend of credibility and a premium value proposition focused on quality, innovation\ and convenience. This positioning is further strengthened by Shoprite Group’s scale and advanced digital capabilities, which continue to expand customer reach and enhance engagement.”

 

You can find out more about the ‘Africa 200 2026’ report here.

 

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