Kenya’s Safaricom and South Africa’s (SA) MTN Group have been ranked among the world’s top five strongest telecoms brands globally, according to the latest Telecoms 150 report by Brand Finance.
Safaricom, valued at approximately $431.1 million, ranked fifth globally with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88.0/100, while MTN followed closely in sixth place with a brand value of $2.9 billion and a BSI score of 87.3/100. Both companies achieved AAA brand strength ratings.
The report shows that the strength of the brands is largely driven by their dominance in local markets rather than global scale. Brand Finance said the two operators enjoy exceptionally strong consumer perceptions across reputation, reliability, preference and customer recommendation metrics, reflecting deep trust and loyalty among African consumers.
Long-term investment in network infrastructure, digital services and customer experience has helped both companies become default communication and financial service platforms for millions of users across the continent.
SA’s Vodacom Group ranked 16th globally with a BSI score of 85.6/100 and a brand value of $2.8 billion. Although the company dropped out of the top 10 strongest brands this year, it continues to demonstrate strong brand equity and market resilience.
The report also highlighted Yas as a “brand to watch”. The company debuted in the global telecoms 150 ranking with a brand value of $277 million following its rebranding and consolidation across Madagascar, Senegal, Togo and Comoros into a single pan-African identity.
Yas achieved a BSI score of 84.8/100, placing it among the top 20 strongest telecom brands globally and reflecting its growing regional influence.
Jeremy Sampson, Chairperson of Brand Finance Africa, said African telecom brands continue to outperform in brand strength despite lower global brand value rankings.
He said brands such as Safaricom and MTN maintain dominance because of their cultural relevance, trust and strong presence in consumers’ daily lives. He also described Yas’ performance as one of the most significant brand transformations in African telecoms, demonstrating how strategic consolidation can drive growth and customer confidence.
Globally, Germany’s Deutsche Telekom remained the world’s most valuable telecom brand, with a brand value of $96.2 billion and a BSI score of 83.8/100. The company also remains the only European brand in the global telecoms top 20.
Brand Finance evaluates more than 6 000 brands annually across multiple sectors using market research, financial analysis and consumer perception data to determine both brand value and brand strength.
–ChannelAfrica–
