African Marketing Pioneers Honored at ACMO100 in Addis Ababa BODY: ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – A beacon of African brand leadership shone bright in Addis Ababa as the Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) celebrated the continent’s top marketing and brand leaders.
The two — day programme, held at the Hyatt Regency rooftop and Africa Hall, marked a significant milestone in recognizing the 100 Most Influential African and Diaspora Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs). These honourees, representing 21 African nations, contribute to over 80% of the continent’s GDP and have brands generating nearly US$750 to 800 billion in global revenues.
The ACMO100 event, a cornerstone of Brand Africa Week 2026, began with a rooftop celebration presented by ABSA, followed by a gathering at Africa Hall, a historic site with deep roots in African diplomacy.
The honourees were addressed by key figures including Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, who emphasized Africa’s marketing prowess and its potential to build globally competitive brands.
The African Union Commission’s Faith Ochieng Odhiambo highlighted the strategic role of CMOs in shaping Africa’s global perception, noting their impact on consumer behavior, cultural confidence, and the continent’s economic positioning. Mwihaki Wachira, CMO of ABSA Kenya, delivered a keynote address that underscored the power of African storytelling as a fundamental tool in marketing, reflecting on the shift from an ‘African Story’told by outsiders to one where Africa’s voice is at the forefront.
The ACMO100 celebration not only honored the individuals but also aimed to develop a blueprint for fostering a ‘made-in-Africa and buy-Africa’agenda, aligning with the continent’s aspirations under Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: africa
Source: Editor
