African telecommunications powerhouses are outperforming global peers in brand resilience and consumer trust, according to the 2026 Telecoms 150 report by Brand Finance. Kenya’s Safaricom and South Africa’s MTN have secured the 5th and 6th spots, respectively, in the ranking of the world’s strongest telecoms brands.
While global giants often lead in total financial value, the “Strength” metric measures how effectively a brand connects with its audience. Safaricom achieved a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88.0/100, while MTN followed closely at 87.3/100. Both earned elite AAA brand ratings, reflecting deep-rooted consumer loyalty.
The report highlights that the dominance of these brands is not fueled by global scale, but by their daily relevance. In markets across East and South Africa, these operators have moved beyond simple connectivity to become essential platforms for financial services, education, and healthcare.
“African telecoms brands dominate the brand strength ranking, with four African brands ranked among the world’s top 20 strongest in 2026,” said Jeremy Sampson, Chairman of Brand Finance Africa. “Safaricom and MTN remain at the forefront, underscored by their cultural connection and firm presence in the everyday lives of the people they serve.”
Several other African operators made significant waves in this year’s study. Vodacom ranked 16th globally for brand strength with a BSI of 85.6/100. Despite a slight dip from the top 10, it remains one of the continent’s most resilient brands with a valuation of USD 2.8 billion. Yas has also been named the ‘Brand to Watch’ for 2026. After a massive rebranding effort to unify operations in Madagascar, Senegal, Togo, and Comoros, Yas debuted in the top 20 strongest brands at 19th place with a BSI of 84.8/100.
Globally, at the top of the value charts, Deutsche Telekom remains the world’s most valuable telecoms brand for 2026. Valued at USD 96.2 billion, the German giant has more than doubled its value since 2020. It currently stands as the only European brand in the global top 20 for value, illustrating the widening gap between traditional European markets and the high-growth momentum found in Africa and Asia.
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