15th annual Brand Africa 100 | South Africa’s Best Brands rankings revealed
Hosted at the JSE, Brand Africa in partnership with Business Day and Brand South Africa, unveiled the results of the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 | South Africa’s Best Brands rankings. The announcement was made by Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, alongside Brand South Africa CEO, Neville Malatji and Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Ntate Kenneth Morolong.
Despite the continued dominance of global brands such as Nike, Africa’s most admired brand for the 8th consecutive year – South Africa’s GALXBOY and Maxhosa emerged as the most admired African brands in South Africa. They join Bathu, recognised as Africa’s most admired apparel brand in the continental rankings.
The evening also honoured Sydney Mbhele, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa, with an Africa Brand Leadership Excellence Award for Distinguished Leadership in Building Great African Brands. Mbhele was recognised for his leadership in expanding multiple South African brands across the continent, building high-performing teams and mentoring a generation of celebrated CMOs. Under his leadership, Absa transitioned from Barclays Africa into a bold, proudly African brand. He has consistently championed African storytelling, cultural authenticity and home-grown solutions – driving sustainable, purpose-led growth across his career.
Grand Prix Awards – Brand excellence and impact
– MTN was awarded the Grand Prix: Most Admired African Brand for its unwavering, purpose-led leadership. Ranked #1 among African brands contributing to a better Africa, MTN excels in sustainability, social impact, digital inclusion and environmental stewardship standing as a trusted force driving continent-wide transformation.
– Woolworths received the Grand Prix: Most Admired South African Brand for exceptional purpose-led excellence, a steadfast commitment to sustainability, social impact and building a better Africa; demonstrated through consistent performance across multiple categories.
– Shoprite/Checkers was honoured with the Grand Prix: Sustainability Award for its purpose-led innovation and impact, job creation, digital transformation and bold sustainability agenda aligned with Africa’s development goals.
In its 50th year, African Bank received a Special Recognition Award for its pioneering role in financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Founded by NAFOCOC and visionary entrepreneurs Sam Motsuenyane, Richard Maponya and Epainette Mbeki, the bank remains a beacon of home-grown innovation and enduring impact.
South Africa’s brand confidence and consumer preferences
While 68% of South Africans express strong confidence in Africa’s future, only 32% of the Top 100 most admired brands in South Africa are made in South Africa – though notably higher than the continental average of 11%.
Across generations, Nike leads as the most admired brand among Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X, while Adidas is favoured by Baby Boomers.
‘Although global brands continue to dominate South Africa and the continent, the rise of new-generation brands signals Africa’s creative potential,’ said Thebe Ikalafeng. ‘The 32% representation of South African brands affirms South Africa’s leadership as a brand-led and creative nation.’
About the Brand Africa 100 Rankings
Since its inception in 2011, the Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands has grown to become the most comprehensive barometer of consumer brand preference in Africa, covering 31 countries representing over 85% of the continent’s population and GDP; research-based rankings conducted by independent and globally respected research partners including GeoPoll and Kantar, supported by regional partners; and brand-neutral methodology with no commercial influence – ensuring trusted and credible results.
Brand Africa 100 | South Africa’s Best Brands
Top 100 Brands
| # | Overall (Top 100) | South African Brands (Top 100) |
| #1 | Nike | GALXBOY |
| #2 | Adidas | Bathu |
| #3 | Puma | Woolworths |
Most Admired African Brand
| # | Most Admired African Brand (Aided Recall) | Most Admired African Brand (Spontaneous Recall) |
| #1 | MaXhosa | GALXBOY |
| #2 | Bathu | Bathu |
| #3 | GALXBOY | Woolworths |
| #4 | Nando’s | MaXhosa |
| #5 | MTN | Shoprite/ Checkers |
Most Admired Media Brand
| # | African | Non-African |
| #1 | SABC | Netflix |
| #2 | DStv | BBC |
| #3 | NCA | CNN |
Most Admired Financial Services Brand – Overall
| # | African | Non-African |
| #1 | FNB | American Express |
| #2 | Capitec Bank | Mastercard |
| #3 | Standard Bank | Chase Bank |
Most Admired Financial Services Brand – Banking and Insurance
| # | Banking | Insurance |
| #1 | FNB | Old Mutual |
| #2 | Capitec Bank | OUTsurance |
| #3 | Standard Bank | Sanlam |
Sustainable Brands – Doing Good for Society and the Environment
| # | African | Non-African | NGO |
| #1 | FNB | Nike | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| #2 | Woolworths | Unilever | Gift of the Givers Foundation |
| #3 | Shoprite/Checkers | Coca-Cola | United Nations/ UN AID |
| #4 | MTN | Johnson & Johnson | Greenpeace Africa |
| #5 | Clover | Adidas | Motsepe Foundation |
Most Admired G20 and BRICS+ Brands
| # | G20 | BRICS+ |
| #1 | Nike | GALXBOY |
| #2 | Adidas | Bathu |
| #3 | Puma | Woolworths |
Nation Brands – Most Admired Brand Contributing to a Better Africa
| # | African | Non-African |
| #1 | MTN | Nike |
| #2 | Shoprite/Checkers | Coca-Cola |
| #3 | MaXhosa | Adidas |
| #4 | FNB | Samsung |
| #5 | Woolworths | Gucci |
Nation Brands – Most Admired Country
| African | Non-African |
| South Africa | USA |
| Botswana | China |
| Nigeria | UK |
| Kenya | Russia |
| Ghana | UAE |
Generations
| # | Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X | Baby Boomers |
| #1 | Nike | Nike | Nike | Adidas |
| #2 | Adidas | Adidas | Adidas | Nike |
| #3 | Puma | Puma | Puma | Samsung |
| #4 | Gucci | Coca-Cola | Coca-Cola | Woolworths |
| #5 | Coca-Cola | Samsung | Woolworths | Audi |
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries across the world, a recent World Economic Forum article highlights Advertisers are planning TV for a consumer that no longer exists
By Leslie Adams, Sales Director at Reach Africa Switch on the TV at home and Is African creativity the world’s most undervalued asset?
By Anthea Whitehead, Cape Town Campus Manager at AAA School of Advertising Africa does not BOO! Campus Media generates more than R25 million in alternative income for partner South African universities
A commercially proven partnership model developed by Campus Media, a South African business operating at Africa’s leading communications association announces landmark AU partnership for its 2026 Africa conference
The International Association of Business Communicators Africa Region (IABC Africa), Africa’s leading business communication association, Why great ideas don’t necessarily translate into great businesses
Entrepreneurs often believe that success starts with a great idea. It doesn’t. Ideas are plentiful. Basetsana Kumalo, Bryan Habana and more to speak at the MANCOSA Jacaranda FM Business Breakfast
Some of South Africa’s most respected business leaders, entrepreneurs and high-performance achievers will take to “This is madness”: The honest strategy behind Distrikt 9’s partnership with the Loeries
It’s a complex time to be in the creative business. So when independent creative agency The MediaShop strengthens leadership team
The MediaShop has announced the promotion of Jedd Cokayne from Business Unit Head to Deputy Uniting for purposeful action to alleviate homelessness in Johannesburg
