MTC Chief Marketing Officer Tim Ekandjo has been named among Africa’s 100 most influential marketing leaders, following the launch of the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list by Brand Africa and its partners.
The initiative, developed in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD and the African Media Agency, recognises leading marketing, brand and reputation executives shaping Africa’s economic narrative and global image.
Ekandjo is among 39 honourees from Southern Africa, a region that dominates the list and is anchored by South Africa as the continent’s leading marketing hub.
Brand Africa said the ACMO100 list aims to address a long-standing imbalance, where African brands lag behind global competitors despite strong local belief in the continent.
Research by the organisation shows that while 68% of Africans believe in the continent, only 18% of the brands they most admire are African.
“CMOs and senior brand leaders are among the most powerful architects of Africa’s future. Through strategy, stewardship and influence, they shape narratives, build trust and guide the preferences of hundreds of millions of people,” said Brand Africa founder and chairman Thebe Ikalafeng.
The inaugural list spans 100 executives across 20 countries and six regions, including the diaspora, with no internal ranking applied.
Financial services and telecommunications emerged as the dominant sectors, accounting for more than half of the honourees, reflecting their central role in Africa’s growth and digital transformation.
The data also highlights a shift in leadership dynamics, with women accounting for 62% of the list, a majority across all regions.
Southern Africa leads with 39 honourees, followed by West Africa with 20 and East Africa with 17, while North Africa contributed 14, signalling the rise of new marketing hubs such as Casablanca.
The recognition comes as Africa’s marketing and brand leadership sector gains influence in shaping investment flows, consumer behaviour and the continent’s global competitiveness.
The ACMO100 honourees will be recognised at Brand Africa Week in Addis Ababa from 22 to 26 May 2026, alongside the unveiling of the Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands rankings.
Brand Africa said the initiative is designed to connect leading marketers and strengthen Africa’s brand presence globally, as competition intensifies across consumer and corporate markets.
