Kenya’s Safaricom (brand value $431.1 million) and South Africa’s MTN (brand value $2.9 billion) rank as the world’s 5th and 6th strongest telecoms brands globally, according to a new report from Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy.
Safaricom notes a robust Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88.0/100, while MTN scores 87.3/100 – but both brands achieve strong AAA brand ratings.
The strength of these brands is driven not by global scale, but by local dominance and daily relevance. Brand Finance research shows that both MTN and Safaricom have very strong brand perceptions in their core African markets, with consistently high scores across reputation, reliability, preference, and recommendation, reflecting deep-rooted consumer trust and loyalty.
Their brands have been reinforced over many years through sustained investment in networks, digital services, and customer experience, enabling them to entrench themselves as the default choice for millions of consumers and businesses, the researchers say.
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With a BSI score of 85.6/100, Vodacom (brand value $2.8 billion) ranks 16th among the world’s strongest telecoms brands. Despite dropping out of the top 10 strongest brands this year, Vodacom excels nonetheless in key research metrics, highlighting the resilience and enduring strength of its brand equity.
Brand Finance names Yas as a ‘brand to watch’ in the telecoms sector, debuting in the Telecoms 150 ranking in 2026 with a brand value of $277 million. This achievement is underpinned by Yas’s recent rebranding, which unifies its operations in key African markets – Madagascar, Senegal, Togo, and Comoros – under a single pan-African identity, reinforcing its growing regional presence and influence.
With a BSI score of 84.8/100, Yas now also ranks among the top 20 strongest brands in this year’s study – a powerful reflection of its growing leadership, strengthened competitiveness, and a commitment to unlocking Africa’s digital possibilities.
Mr Jeremy Sampson, Chairman, Brand Finance Africa, said while not as globally competitive in brand value, African telecoms brands dominate the brand strength ranking, with four African brands ranked among the world’s top 20 strongest telecoms brands in 2026. “Safaricom and MTN remain at the forefront,” he said, “underscored by their deep local relevance, trust, cultural connection, and firm presence in the everyday lives of the people they serve.”
Meanwhile, Yas’ performance in the 2026 ranking, debuting in 19th rank for brand strength, underscores one of the most significant brand transformations in African telecoms to date. Its success highlights how strategic brand consolidation, combined with a clear vision and consistent delivery, can drive growth, regional leadership, and lasting customer trust.
Global Giant
Deutsche Telekom is once again the most valuable telecoms brand globally. Since 2020, the brand has more than doubled (+141%) its brand value, now standing at $96.2 billion in 2026. Deutsche Telekom also ranks 11th among the world’s 500 most valuable brands and stands as the only European brand in the global top 20.
This makes the T-brand the most valuable corporate brand in Europe. The T-brand has also increased its BSI score, now standing at 83.8/100, maintaining its AAA rating.
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