Business
Dangote Becomes Most Admired Brand In Africa for the Sixth Consecutive Year
The Dangote brand has become the Most Admired African Brand for the sixth consecutive year, and among top 100 brands in the continent and 2nd in Sustainability brand in Africa among top 100 brands.
As the most Admired African Brand when respondents are prompted to recall an African brand specifically, Dangote was followed by the Telecommunication outfit, MTN in the second position and the Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) coming third, both of South-Africa origin.
The pan-African conglomerate brand was also adjudged as the number one African Pride brand followed by the Ethiopian Airline and MTN respectively.
In a newly introduced category, the Dangote brand came second in Sustainability, by brands doing good for the people, Society and the Environment.
These were announced in Johannesburg, South-Africa on the occasion of the Africa Day marking the 13th Annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands 2023 rankings of the Top 100 most admired brands in Africa based on a survey and rankings conducted by Geopoll, Kantar and Brand Leadership, across 32 African countries that account for more than 85% of the continent’s GDP and population.
Brand Africa in its statement announcing the ranking disclosed that in a new category of brands that are doing good for people, society and the
environment, inspired by business shifting from profit to purpose, MTN and Dangote as African brands came first and second respectively while Unicef
emerged as the number one NGO and Coca Cola emerged as the number one non-African brand.
In the category specific ranking of the Top 25 financial services brands, Africa’s
oldest banking group, Standard Bank surged to the number one position of the most admired brand in Africa, displacing GTBank, which had led the rankings for the past 3 years, but is reeling from recent UK regulatory issues, service challenges and a tough competitive environment. The category is dominated by South African (6) and Nigerian (6) brands which account for 48% of the rankings, with the USA (4), led by VISA, at 16% percent, making up 64% of the Top 25 brands.
In another category specific ranking of the Top 25 media brands, DSTV, the consumer brand of the Multichoice Group, retains its dominant ranking ahead of BBC and CNN as the most admired media brand in Africa. Consistent with previous rankings, non-African media dominate the continent, accounting for 76% of the Top 25 brands.
Brand Africa disclosed that Dangote retained the number one spot for the 6th time despite African brands slipping to 14% of the Top 100 most admired brands in Africa as non-African brands entrench their position in the continent.
Thebe Ikalafeng, founder and chairman of Brand Africa expressed concern that despite optimism with the progress of African Continental Free Trade Area
(AfCFTA) and other initiative to drive African initiatives, African brands still regressed 20% from a 10-year high of 17% to 14% share of the Top 100 most admired brands in Africa.
“It is concerning that despite the momentum in operationalizing the AfCFTA, rising internal pride in continent albeit against global economic challenges, that African consumers have reverted to their trusted, mostly non-Africa brands, rather than give African brands a chance,” he stated. “Nonetheless, this is the state of brands in Africa, and an urgent need to build trust in Made in African brands.”
Bernard Okasi, the Director of Research, GeoPoll, which has been the lead data collection partner since 2015 while speaking on the outcome of the survey explained “With an ever increasing number of countries, greater sample size, and the growth of mobile across the continent, more than ever, using mobile continues to prove to be an effective tool to reach and access respondents across the continent”.
The Chief Growth Officer Africa Middle East for Kantar, Karin Du Chenne, who has been the insight lead for Brand Africa since inception in 2010 says, “despite the increased countries and sample sizes which have invariably grown the volumes of brands analysed, the survey continues to yield a very consistent picture of the leading brands in the continent, albeit not yet to Africa’s advantage.”
He added that as a non-profit initiative and to ensure the objectivity and independence of the rankings, the Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands research to determine the most admired top-of-mind brands in Africa are not funded by any brand.
Reacting to the last survey affirming Dangote as number one most admired indigenous African brand, Group Chief, Branding and Communication, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina said the awards were well deserved because “the Dangote brand generates strong nationalistic impressions and powerful feelings across the Continent in terms of industrialization, self-sufficiency, prosperity, power and production.”
He stated that this was further strengthened with the recent commissioning of 650,000 bpd Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemical complex which is a huge industrial complex or frigate. “The brand portends the inevitability of Nigerian global ascendancy and a gateway to regional and continental development”, he added.
Established in 2010, Brand Africa is a intergenerational movement to inspire a brand-led African renaissance to drive Africa’s competitiveness, connect Africa and create a positive image of the Continent.
Business
Lagos N200b bond oversubscribed by 55% at N310Billion
In a resounding vote of confidence from the investment community, Lagos State has concluded its bookbuild for a groundbreaking bond issuance, exceeding all expectations and demonstrating strong investor appetite.
The State’s offering, comprised of a ₦200 Billion Conventional Bond and a ₦14.8 Billion Green Bond, has been met with extraordinary enthusiasm, paving the way for crucial infrastructure projects across the bustling metropolis.
The conventional bond, originally slated for ₦200 billion, received an astounding 55% oversubscription, attracting a remarkable ₦310 billion in investment commitments.
This signifies the robust trust investors have in Lagos State’s economic prospects and its commitment to sustainable growth.
Adding to the success, the ₦14.8 billion Green Bond, designed to finance environmentally friendly projects, was met with an even greater level of enthusiasm.
It attracted a phenomenal ₦29.29 billion in subscriptions, representing a staggering 97.7% oversubscription.
This underscores the growing global interest in sustainable investments and Lagos State’s commitment to a greener future.
This historic achievement highlights Lagos State’s financial strength and its ability to attract significant investment to drive its ambitious development agenda.
The proceeds from these bonds will be instrumental in funding vital infrastructure projects, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and fostering economic prosperity across the state.
Business
Pump Price Cuts Driven by Pricing, Not Tariff — Dangote
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed claims that the recent fall in petrol pump prices was triggered by the Federal Government’s suspension of a 15 per cent import tariff, insisting the adjustment was driven solely by its own downward review of Premium Motor Spirit prices.
In a statement on Monday, the company said downstream marketers reacted directly to its revised ex-depot prices, and that the tariff policy did not influence the decision.
“We lowered our PMS gantry price from N877 to N828 per litre, and our coastal price from N854 to N806. The downstream marketers adjusted their prices accordingly. This move was strictly market-driven and not connected to the tariff reversal,” the refinery stated.
Refinery Capacity & Strategic SignificanceSince starting production, Dangote Refinery has significantly reshaped Nigeria’s fuel market. With a nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), it has become a major force in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petrol.
The refinery is in the process of upgrading: Dangote recently announced plans to raise capacity from 650,000 bpd to 700,000 bpd, and is also working on a longer‑term expansion to 1.4 million bpd. This expected scale-up would make it one of the largest single-site refineries globally.
Why the Price Cut MattersHistorically, petrol pricing in Nigeria has been highly exposed to global factors, international crude prices, freight costs, foreign-exchange swings, and import duties.
By cutting its own ex-depot price, Dangote is asserting more control over the domestic price structure, reducing volatility tied to imports.
“Dangote’s price cut is a landmark event. For the first time in decades, the pricing power in Nigeria’s fuel market is shifting from international dynamics to local production.
”A refinery executive (who requested not to be named) added that the November 6 adjustment is part of a longer-term plan to stabilise supply and build market trust: “We’re not just lowering prices.
We are building confidence in Nigeria’s refining capacity. Every adjustment is carefully made to balance sustainability for us and affordability for consumers.
”Market Impact: The price review immediately reset the industry pricing floor. Within 24 hours, several major marketers reduced their pump prices, a response that analysts describe as “pure market competition.
”Oil sector analyst Grace Onuoha said:
“Dangote effectively forced a realignment. Marketers naturally had to follow to stay competitive. This isn’t about policy shifts, it’s market dynamics.
”Countering the Tariff NarrativeDangote’s statement is a direct rebuttal to widespread speculation that the 15% import tariff reversal triggered the pump price drop.
The company insists its price cut came first and was the real catalyst. The temporary tariff waiver only applies to imported PMS, while Dangote’s product is refined locally.Boosting Fuel Security.
By leveraging its own refining capacity, Dangote says it is helping to shield Nigeria from global supply disruptions and foreign-exchange risks. The refinery frames its pricing policy as part of a broader strategy toward energy self-sufficiency.
“As more Nigeria households and businesses rely on locally refined fuel, the nation becomes less vulnerable to international shocks,” the company said in its statement.
Energy analyst Dr. Tunde Aluko agrees: “This is what Nigeria has needed for decades, a domestic refinery with real capacity and market influence. Dangote is filling that crucial role.”
What This Means for Consumers
Many industry observers view the November 6 price cut as a turning point.
For the first time, a local refiner, not global import dynamics, is visibly driving fuel prices in Nigeria.
Fuel station owner Uche Eze, who operates in Abuja, said, “This is a positive development. Local refining means more predictable prices, better supply, and a buffer against forex volatility.”
Business
Dangote Harps on full benefits of domestic refining
The continued importation of substandard fuel constitutes dumping, a harmful practice that undermines economic growth and industrial development.
File photo: Aliko Dangote President of the Dangote Group, flank by visitors during a tour of the refinery, recently.
The management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery says that Nigerians will enjoy the full benefits of domestic refining.
In a comparison of imported petroleum products and the domestic ones, the refinery said that contrary to repeated claims by certain interests, imported products which are often below acceptable standards have consistently been sold at higher pump prices than the premium-grade fuel supplied by Dangote Refinery.
“The continued importation of substandard fuel constitutes dumping, a harmful practice that undermines economic growth and industrial development.
Nigeria has witnessed the devastating consequences of such unchecked dumping before, including the collapse of the once-thriving textile industry, which was a major employer of labour,” said the refinery in a statement on Monday, November 17, 2025.
The refinery reiterated its commitment to supplying high-quality and internationally benchmarked petroleum products at competitive prices, adding: “Our operations continue to moderate prices in the market, ensuring Nigerian consumers receive genuine value for money.”
In a response to the recent suspension of the 15% import duty on imported petroleum products by the government, the refinery, said :
” Despite the non-implementation of the tariff, we reduced the price of our products.
As a socially responsible company, this decision, which was not affected by whether the tariff was implemented or not, aligns with our long-standing commitment to ensuring Nigerians enjoy the full benefits of domestic refining.”
It emphasised that Dangote refinery reduced its petrol gantry price from N877 to N828 per litre, representing a 5.6 per cent decrease, and its coastal price from N854 to N806 per litre on November 6.
The refinery said these changes were publicly announced and implemented before marketers adjusted their pump prices.
It stated: “The claim that the reduction in pump prices was driven by the suspension of the 15 per cent import tariff is therefore incorrect. The import tariff had received the approval of President Bola Tinubu as far back as October 21 for immediate implementation.
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