Africa’s Top Marketing Leaders Honoured at Inaugural ACMO100 Awards in Addis Ababa

Marketing and brand executives from across Africa and the diaspora gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the inaugural ACMO100 celebration, which recognised the continent’s 100 most influential Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs).

The event, organised by Brand Africa in partnership with the African Union Commission, Opportunity Africa, and ABSA, took place during Brand Africa Week 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa.

According to organisers, the honourees represent 21 African countries that collectively account for more than 80% of Africa’s GDP, with the companies and brands they lead generating an estimated $750–800 billion in global annual revenue.

Speaking at the event, Thebe Ikalafeng described the recognition as a celebration of the marketing leaders who shape how Africa is perceived both within the continent and globally.

He noted that the selection process demonstrated the depth of world-class marketing talent across Africa, highlighting leaders capable of building globally competitive brands while understanding the unique dynamics of African consumers.

Representing the African Union Commission, Faith Ochieng Odhiambo emphasized the role of marketing leaders in advancing the goals of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stating that CMOs help shape perceptions, influence consumer behaviour, and strengthen Africa’s position in the global economy.

A keynote address delivered by Mwihaki Wachira on behalf of Sydney Nhlanhla Mbhele focused on the power of African storytelling as a tool for brand building and cultural influence.

The two-day programme continued at Africa Hall, the historic birthplace of the former Organization of African Unity, where participants discussed strategies to promote a “Made-in-Africa” and “Buy Africa” agenda.

Organisers said the ACMO100 list was compiled through nominations, editorial research, peer review, and validation processes. They stressed that the recognition is independent, unsponsored, and not based on self-nominations, reinforcing its credibility and pan-African scope.