40 Impactful East African Companies Crowned at Tribute Awards

Supebrands East Africa has feted 40 East African companies that exhibited resilience and went out of their way to serve customers with a sense of care and compassion during the pandemic.

The companies drawn from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania were acknowledged during the 7^th edition of the Tribute Awards Ceremony held at a Nairobi hotel.

Jawad Jaffer, Project Manager Superbrands East Africa said, “The brands we pay tribute to in this 7^th East African edition have shown resilience and fortitude through the uncertainty of the pandemic. They have found focus in these extraordinary times to emerge as industry and category leaders through the lens of their consumers. They evolved with their customers without getting left behind and today they stand as examples of best practice.”

Among companies honoured with the Superbrand 2020 seal of excellence are: Safaricom, Betika, Elgon-Kenya, Kenya Red-Cross, Superloaf, The Guardian (TZ) and Bank of Baroda(UG).

Superbrands is the largest global adjudicator on branding and uses consumer insights to identify and award brands with exemplary performance in different fields. Companies feted at this year’s East African edition were drawn from 12 diverse industries including manufacturing, transportation, and telecommunications among others.

The companies were selected following consumer surveys conducted in 2020. Over 60% of customers who participated in the survey said they prefer brands that help to stretch their budgets especially as the effects of the pandemic continue to bite. 77% of consumers said they were attracted to brands supporting communities through CSR initiatives.

Although betting companies in the region have suffered massive government crackdowns, some of them such as Betika were recognized for offering community support.

The bi-annual event brought together 150 captains of industry, CEO’s, decision makers and influencers. This year saw the introduction of a new category dubbed the Superbrands Personality of the Year Award, with the inaugural award going to heralded Kenyan sporting personality Kipchoge Keino.

Quality, reliability and distinction were the key factors that participants in the survey were asked to look into while voting on brands. Another highlight for outstanding brands are those that have significant emotional and tangible influence on customers.

Here is the full list of companies crowned at the gala.