
Dangote Industries Limited has been recognized as Africa鈥檚 Most Admired Brand for the eighth consecutive year in the Brand Africa 100 rankings. The announcement was made at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa鈥檚 Best Brands event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The conglomerate also maintained its position as Africa鈥檚 Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked as the leading African brand contributing to a better Africa. The rankings are based on a 2026 survey covering consumers in 30 African countries, representing over 85% of the continent鈥檚 population and economic output, measuring consumer perceptions, brand influence, and market relevance. Dangote emerged as Africa鈥檚 most admired brand in the aided recall category, ahead of MTN and Vodacom, and ranked second in spontaneous brand recall among African brands, behind MTN. Brand Africa attributed this performance to Dangote鈥檚 extensive presence in strategic sectors like cement, fertilizer, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging, and logistics. The company also ranked second among brands recognized for positive contributions to society, people, and the environment. Despite improvements by indigenous brands, African-owned brands accounted for only 15% of the continent鈥檚 100 most admired brands in 2026. Brand Africa founder and chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, emphasized the need to support African brands to drive economic development. Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries, wa
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Must ReadArgentina head coach Lionel Scaloni described Lionel Messi as "pure history" and "a legend" during the FIFA Fanatics event in New York City. Scaloni urged fans to appreciate Messi, who is 39, as he prepares for what could be his final FIFA World Cup appearance. He compared Messi's ongoing presence to the late Diego Maradona, emphasizing Messi's historical significance. Argentina is set to face Spain in the World Cup final, aiming to defend their title. Scaloni acknowledged Spain as a formidable opponent, praising their disciplined play and expressing concern about their strength. He dismissed the idea that Argentina's previous World Cup final experience would give them an advantage, noting Spain's own experience in major finals. Scaloni highlighted that Argentina's success stems from their upbringing, focusing on playing football without succumbing to external pressure. Messi echoed these sentiments, stating that his childhood experiences of playing with passion and learning from losses shaped his mentality as a player and person.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi expressed his astonishment at facing Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal in the upcoming FIFA World Cup final, recalling an old photograph where he held Yamal as a baby. Messi, speaking ahead of the final, called the situation "incredible" and "crazy." He acknowledged Yamal's rapid ascent, describing the Barcelona youngster as one of the world's finest players despite his age, and wished him luck for his career, though hoping he would not perform at his best in the final. The famous photograph was taken by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort for a charity calendar organized by Sportnewspaper and UNICEF at Barcelona's Camp Nou. Monfort noted the image has gained renewed global attention ahead of the final. Messi enters the final in strong form, having scored eight goals and provided four assists, aiming for his third World Cup final appearance. The match also marks the first competitive meeting between the two continental champions after a planned Finalissima between Spain and Argentina was canceled earlier this year due to conflict in the Middle East.
Must ReadUS President Donald Trump threatened to increase tariffs on Canada to offset the costs incurred by the United States due to wildfire smoke pollution. Trump stated on Truth Social that the smoke, which has caused unhealthy air quality alerts across the US, is a result of Canada's "willful negligence" and failure to properly maintain forests. He accused Canada of not carrying out "basic Forest Management and Debris Removal" and indicated he would contact Prime Minister Mark Carney to address the issue. Canada's emergency management minister, Eleanor Olszewski, noted ongoing communication between the two countries and highlighted Canada's $12 billion investment in forest sustainability and fire prevention since 2020. As of Saturday, 937 active fires were burning in Canada, with most out of control. The smoke has led to cities like Detroit, Washington, and Chicago experiencing poor air quality, raising concerns for events such as the World Cup final in New Jersey. Experts like Chris Carlsten from the University of British Columbia noted the particular impact of fine pollution particles from wildfires on lungs and how photochemical aging can make traveling smoke plumes more toxic. Scientists also link the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires to climate change, which creates conditions for longer fire seasons with higher temperatures and lower soil moisture.