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Brand Africa unveils 12th Annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands 2022

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Brand Africa, organizers of annual Brand Africa 100  on Wednesday unveiled the 12th annual Brand Africa 100:  Africa’s Best Brands 2022 rankings of the Top 100 most admired brands in Africa at a live event at Eko Hotel & Suites in Nigeria.

Against a backdrop of internal focus as a consequence of an urgent rebuilding of economies devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the acceleration of AfCFTA’s goal of driving greater intra-African trade, after a 5-year decline, African brands have surged 4% to 17% from an all-time low of 13% in 2020 and 2021 in the 2022 Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands survey and ranking of the best brand in Africa.

Nigerian brands, Dangote (#22), Glo (#32), Jumia (#42) and Nasco (#75) are among the 17 African brands that have heralded a 4% surge by African brands to 17% share of the Top 100 brands in Africa.

Overall, South Africa’s MTN, has returned to the Top 10 as the highest ranking African brand and traded places with Dangote as the #1 African brand recalled when prompted to consolidate its status as the #1 African brand.

Dangote, the pre-eminent African brand founded in 1981 by Nigerian Aliko Dangote, emerged as the #1 brand that symbolises African pride in a question where Brand Africa sought to establish which brand in Africa is a flag carrier and embodiment of rising optimism and pride in Africa. South Africa, led by MTN, leads the African list, with Nigeria, led by Dangote, the overall #1 brand, at 28%, and Kenya with flag carrier, Kenya Airways, at 8% and Ethiopia, with its flag carrier brand, Ethiopian Airline at 4%.

Non-African brands, led by overall pace-setter Nike for the 5th consecutive year, continue to dominate with a share of 83% of the most admired brands in Africa.  Coca Cola, which has been in the Top 5 for 10 consecutive years, is the #1 overall most admired brand in Nigeria.

In a separate list of the Top 25 most admired financial services brands, African brands, led by Nigeria’s GT Bank for the third consecutive year, dominate the rankings with 68% of the share to 32% for non-African brands.

DStv, has consolidated its position as the #1 African media brand for the second year running, while Channels TV led as the #1 Nigerian media brand, in a category that is fast going digital and mobile.

Recognising that while the rebound in African brands is notable, the results will not be sustainable without committed and inspirational leadership, in 2022, Brand Africa recognised those leaders who are the catalyst for growth for Made in Africa brands both in corporate and in those who have championed and supported the development of great local brands in supporting industries. GT Bank’s Group CEO, Segun Agbaje and Nigerian doyenne of marketing, founder and chairman of Troyka Group were awarded the inaugural Africa Brand Leadership Excellence awards for inspiring brand-led excellence that drives the growth of made in Africa brands.

“As we emerge out of the pandemic and Africa seeks to assert itself, the results are very inspiring and bode well of an African renaissance led by competitive world class African brands,” says Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa and Brand Leadership.

“With increased number of countries and greater sample size this year, more than ever, and especially so during the pandemic, mobile proved to be  the effective tool for us to reach and access respondents across the continent,” said Bernard Okasi, Director of Research, GeoPoll, which has been the lead data collection partner since 2015.

Karin Du Chenne, Chief Growth Officer Africa Middle East for Kantar, which has been the insight lead for Brand Africa since inception in 2010 says, “despite volumes of brands analysed as a results of increased sample size in terms of respondents and countries, the survey continues to yield a very consistent picture of brands and trends that are transforming the continent.”

Now in its 12th year, every year on or around Africa Day, 25 May, Brand Africa releases the results of the survey on the most admired brands in Africa based on a survey across 29 countries that represent as much as 85% of the continent’s GDP and population.  The 2022 survey was conducted between March and April 2022 and yielded over 80,000 brand mentions and over 3,500 unique brands.

The Brand Africa 100 results will be published in the June issue African Business magazine which on sale globally in June 2022 and will be available online to subscribers on www.africanbusinessmagazine.com.

The 2022 Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands were organised by Brand Africa partners in Nigeria, AT3 Resources and Open Squares Africa, and supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria, South African Tourism, NQR, Africa Media Agency and BCW Africa.

For Information on the Brand Africa agenda, initiatives and partners and specifically the Brand Africa 100:  Africa’s Best Brands Rankings visit www.brand.africa and follow the results on #BrandAfrica100 and #AfricasBestBrands2022.

L-R: Thebe Ikalafeng, Chairman, Brand Africa; Feyi Olubodun, Founding Partner, Open Squares Africa; Tosin Adefeko, Chief Executive Officer, AT3 Resources Limited; Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, Founder & Chairman, Troyka Group and Karin du Chenne, Chief Growth Officer, Kantar EMEA during the presentation of Africa Brand Leadership Excellence Award to Dr. Shobanjo at the 2022 Brand Africa awards held at Eko Hotel, Lagos on Wednesday, May 25th, 2022.

 


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Broadcasting

Ayra Starr leads Spotify’s Nigeria Global Impact List 2025

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Ayra Starr
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Nigerian music isn’t just a local force anymore, it’s a global takeover. Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List shows just how far Nigerian music and artists have come, with Ayra Starr leading the way.

Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr

This list celebrates the 30 Nigerian songs that have connected most powerfully with international audiences this year, highlighting the country’s ever-growing influence on the world stage.

Ayra Starr: Nigeria’s Global Hitmaker

Ayra Starr, the “Sabi Girl,” is a chart-topping force reshaping the global music scene. Her catchy hits consistently top Nigerian charts, and her influence resonates worldwide, turning her music into international anthems. This makes her a leading voice in the exciting evolution of global music, transforming the soundscape one hit at a time.

This influence is clearly evident in her chart dominance. As a Spotify RADAR and EQUAL alumna and Nigeria’s most-streamed female artist on the platform in 2024, Ayra Starr’s artistry and strategic approach to global music are undeniable. While only two of her own tracks, Last Heartbreak Song and Bad Vibes appear on the Spotify Global Impact List, her collaborative power is evident with the chart-topping success of Santa. This track, featuring her alongside producer Rvssian and Latin artist Rauw Alejandro, showcases Ayra’s ability to connect with diverse audiences and expand her reach through strategic partnerships across different markets. Her impressive showing on the list, with six entries including Commas, GOOD FEELiNGS and Hypé underscores her versatility and appeal.

Her album, The Year I Turned 21, also cemented her global reach, ranking among the top 10 most-streamed albums of the year. Santa’s undeniable popularity speaks volumes about her global appeal and influence.

The Power of Collaboration

The global reach of Nigerian music is significantly amplified by the power of collaboration. The Global Impact List underscores this crucial role, revealing that 22 of the 30 listed songs are collaborations. This demonstrates that such partnerships are not merely a trend, but a necessity for Nigerian artists seeking international success. While three of these collaborations feature fellow Nigerian artists, 19 involve partnerships with artists from other countries, highlighting how cross-continental collaborations drive global recognition. Top hits like Santa, WE PRAY (TINI Version), and Another Vibe perfectly illustrate this collaborative power.

Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, notes, “Nigerian artists are breaking boundaries and the world is listening. Nigerian music has always been rich and diverse, and at Spotify, we’re proud to amplify these talents globally.”
Explore the vibrant cross-cultural sounds of Spotify’s Gone Abroad playlist that showcases exciting collaborations between international artists and the best of Nigerian and African talent.


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DSS Threatens to Sue AIT, Channels TV over Reports on ‘Invasion’ of Lagos Assembly

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Department of State Service (DSS), has threatened Africa Independent Television (AIT), and Channels Television two prominent broadcast stations with lawsuits over ‘false and malicious reports’ against the organisation.

DSS Threatens to Sue AIT, Channels TV over Reports on ‘Invasion’ of Lagos Assembly

According to the DSS, AIT, and Channels Television both aired false reports against it on the crisis that rocked the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday.

Recall that operatives of the DSS and the Nigeria Police, on Monday, took over the Lagos State House of Assembly.

However, a letter eventually emerged, disclosing that the House had requested the DSS to strengthen security around the Assembly complex.

The letter cited reports that Mudashiru Obasa, impeached Speaker, planned to return to the position.

In a statement on Tuesday, DSS accused the broadcast stations of reporting that its operatives “stormed or invaded” the Assembly.

DSS, through Chief Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, its lawyer, said the agency was invited to beef up security and did not invade the Assembly as reported.

The two separate letters to the broadcast stations, dated February 17, 2025, read: “First, it must be stated that our client, in carrying out its core statutory mandate of collection of intelligence for good governance and national safety and upholding and enforcing criminal laws of Nigeria, was invited to the Lagos State House of Assembly, vide a letter dated 14th February, 2025, written to it by the Acting Clerk of the said State House of Assembly. A copy of the letter is herewith attached.

“Our client was invited by the Acting Clerk to come and support the Security Operatives attached to the Lagos State House of Assembly, from Sunday, 16th of February, 2025, in order to forestall an imminent break down of law and order, following the information that the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Obasa planned to resume office on the 18 of February, 2025, a plan which he (the Acting Clerk) believed poses a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.

“However, without any verification of the reason for the presence of our client’s officials at the Lagos State House of Assembly on the 17th of February, 2025, your organization maliciously and falsely broadcast, both on your news bulletin and print media, that our client had invaded/stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly with a view to preventing the members and speaker from entering the chamber for plenary.

“By this publication, our client which is a highly responsible and respected organization, was portrayed as an irresponsible and reckless organization, who in a Gestapo manner invaded/stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, to support one of the feuding parties and to desecrate the hallowed chambers.

“Your publication and/or broadcast has greatly injured the character of our client and tarnished and lowered its esteemed image in the eyes of the public.

“Having regard to the fact that your broadcast was false and coupled with the fact that you did not ensure balancing in your report, as enjoined by the ethics of journalism, our client has instructed us to demand the following:

“An immediate retraction of your defamatory publication and/or broadcast on all your news platforms.

“The retraction shall be accompanied by an apology which must be published for at least five (5) times daily for three consecutive days on all your new channels and platforms, including all the social media handles to which your media house has its presence.

“Please note that, should you fail, ‘to comply with the above demands within a period of seven (7) days after the delivery of this letter to you, we shall, on behalf of our client, seek redress by pursuing both civil and criminal actions against your organization as your conduct also runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act of 2015, as amended in 2024, without further reference to you.”


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Highly Anticipated Series ‘Iyanu’ to Premiere on Showmax in June 2025

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Showmax, in partnership with Lion Forge Entertainment, has announced that the highly anticipated animated series Iyanu will premiere exclusively in Africa on 13 June 2025.

The African streamer also released the official trailer, giving audiences a glimpse into the captivating story based on Nigerian culture and mythology. The entire first season will be available to binge across 44 African countries.

Adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder—published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics (the powerhouse behind The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy) – the show is helmed by Okupe himself, who was born and raised in Nigeria and now serves as creator, executive producer and showrunner. The series is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, a leading Black-owned animation studio in North America.

Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, the animated series follows Iyanu, a brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. While studying history and ancient arts, she yearns for a normal life—until a looming threat awakens divine powers not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. Accompanied by newfound friends Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of this evil, unlocking her destiny along the way.

Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels West Africa, said “Iyanu brings Nigerian culture and mythology to life in an exciting and authentic way. We are proud to be the home of its African premiere and can’t wait for audiences across the continent to experience this epic adventure on Showmax.”

Lion Forge Entertainment CEO and Founder David Steward II shared, “We’ve witnessed the dedication and heart that Roye Okupe and our entire team have poured into this series, and we’re all excited to see it premiere on Cartoon Network, Max, and Showmax soon. Iyanu represents a major leap forward in our commitment to telling culturally rich stories that resonate with audiences around the globe, and we’re confident audiences will share in our excitement.

The talented all-African Iyanu voice cast includes Serah Johnson as Iyanu; Okey Jude as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend; Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Iyanu’s bookworm companion; Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori; Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo, Toye’s father; Stella Damasus as Sewa; Shaffy Bello as Emi – The One Mother; and Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani.

Showcasing Iyanu’s global reach, the series will first premiere in the US on Cartoon Network on 5 April 2025 at 9:30 AM ET/PT and stream on Max the next day. ITVX will also debut the series in the UK and Ireland this summer.

The show’s executive producers are David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod.


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