Namibia’s Tim Ekandjo is among the 100 Most Influential African and Diaspora CMOs (Chief Marketing Officers) recognised at the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) celebration that recently took place in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.
The event was hosted by Brand Africa in partnership with the African Union Commission and Opportunity Africa, marking the first formal recognition of the Africa CMO 100 that were revealed in March.
According to Brand Africa, the honourees hail from 21 African countries that together generate more than US$2.3 trillion, over 80% of Africa’s gross domestic product. The brands and companies they lead generate a combined revenue of approximately US$750 to 800 billion globally.
Meanwhile, the brands on the list that are headquartered on the continent account for revenue of about US$140 billion on their own.
Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa addressing the attendees at the event said “Tonight is more than a celebration of individuals. It is a celebration of the unseen influence behind the brands that shape how Africa sees itself and how the world sees Africa.”
“Africa does not have a talent problem. What became abundantly clear through this process is that Africa possesses world-class marketing leadership … leaders capable if building globally competitive brands while understanding perhaps better than anyone what it takes to win the African consumer,” he added.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Director of Information and Communication of the African Union Commission, Mrs Leslie Richer, Faith Ochieng Odhiambo underscored the strategic alignment between Africa’s top marketing leaders and its ambitions under Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“CMOs are not simply marketing products or services, they are shaping perceptions, and influencing consumer behaviour, cultural confidence, and how Africa positions itself in the global economy,” she said.
