BRAND VALUATIONS

Safaricom and MTN brands among the world’s strongest in telecoms sector

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2026

Latest Brand Finance research shows that both companies have very strong brand perceptions in their core African markets.

Kenya’s Safaricom and South Africa’s MTN rank as the world’s 5th and 6th strongest telecoms brands globally, according to a new report from brand valuation consultancy, Brand Finance.

Illustration: Safaricom

The strength of these brands is driven not by global scale, but by local dominance and daily relevance, the consultancy states. 

 

Its research shows that both MTN and Safaricom have very strong brand perceptions in their core African markets, with consistently high scores across reputation, reliability, preference, and recommendation, reflecting deep-rooted consumer trust and loyalty.  

 

“Their brands have been reinforced over many years through sustained investment in networks, digital services and customer experience, enabling them to entrench themselves as the default choice for millions of consumers and businesses,” Brand Finance notes. 

 

Another African telecoms brand, Vodacom, ranks 16th among the world’s strongest telecoms brands. 

 

A new telecoms brand entry from Africa 

 

The study also names Mauritian-based brand Yas as a ‘brand to watch’ in the telecoms sector, debuting in the Telecoms 150 ranking in 2026 with a brand value of US$277-million.  

 

“This achievement is underpinned by Yas’s recent rebranding, which unifies its operations in key African markets – Madagascar, Senegal, Togo and Comoros – under a single pan-African identity, reinforcing its growing regional presence and influence,” Brand Finance says. 

 

“Yas now also ranks among the top 20 strongest brands in this year’s study – a powerful reflection of its growing leadership, strengthened competitiveness, and a commitment to unlocking Africa’s digital possibilities.” 

 

Comments Jeremy Sampson, Chairman of Brand Finance Africa: “While not as globally competitive in brand value, African telecoms brands dominate the brand strength ranking, with four African brands ranked among the world’s top 20 strongest telecoms brands in 2026.  

 

“Safaricom and MTN remain at the forefront, underscored by their deep local relevance, trust, cultural connection and firm presence in the everyday lives of the people they serve.  

 

“Meanwhile, Yas’ performance in the 2026 ranking, debuting in 19th rank for brand strength, underscores one of the most significant brand transformations in African telecoms to date. Its success highlights how strategic brand consolidation, combined with a clear vision and consistent delivery, can drive growth, regional leadership and lasting customer trust.” 

 

Globally, the ‘Brand Finance Telecoms 150 2026’ report names Deutsche Telekom of Germany as, once again, the most valuable telecoms brand globally.

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Jason Lottering
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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.