MTN, Safaricom in world’s top 10 strongest telecom brands

Leading telecoms operator MTN Group and Kenya’s Safaricom have both emerged in the top ten list of the world’s strongest telecom brands. 

Released by Brand Finance on Tuesday, the annual list showcases telecom operators that are more trusted and emotionally resonate with their subscribers. The report rates operators using a brand strength index (BSI) with metrics including reputation, reliability, likeability, preference, and recommendation.

Safaricom ranked 5th with a BSI score of 88.1, reflecting the operator’s strong influence in Kenya and Ethiopia. MTN Group ranked 6th with a BSI score of 87.3, a ranking that recognises the operator’s track record of trust across more than 15 African countries. 

Safaricom and MTN Group’s recent rides

As Kenya’s leading network provider with over 60 million subscribers, Safaricom continues to drive digital transformation across its markets, powering growth in both the public and private sectors.

In its latest earnings report for the six months ending September 2025, the operator posted a voice and data revenue of KSh200 billion (~$1.5 billion), majorly powered by its Kenyan market, which saw revenue of KSh194 billion. Though losses still abound in Ethiopia, it’s still finding ground in a market it launched four years ago. 

Safaricom’s mobile money product (M-Pesa) and infrastructure rollout are part of its tools for powering growth and bridging both the financial and digital divide. It recently secured regulatory approval to raise $308 million (KSh40 billion) through a corporate bond to upgrade its infrastructure in both markets. 

Also Read: Safaricom to roll out pay-as-you-go pricing for internet services in Kenya.

MTN Group’s appearance in the ranking is expected, with its subscriber base surpassing the 300 million mark in December. Powered by its MTN Ghana and Nigeria businesses, with each having the largest customer base in its country, the operator has become a leading voice in the industry.

As evidence of its consumer trust, MTN Group is expecting its 2025 earnings to surge by 300% following a strong year, driven by a positive turnaround of profit in its Nigerian and Ghanaian markets. Both saw a combined profit after tax of over $1.5 billion. 

Its ongoing deal to acquire the remaining 75% stake in IHS Tower is another significant boost to its brand, which investors see as a move that could strengthen the company’s fleet of assets. 

Other African telcos

Although only MTN and Safaricom made the top ten list from Africa, other notable mentions on the continent include Orange, Vodacom and Yas.

Orange ranked 8th in the most valuable telecoms brand with $18.6 billion. The ranking is a testament to its presence in 18 countries in West Africa, Central Africa, and North Africa, serving over 161 million customers.

Vodacom ranked 16th globally for brand strength with a BSI of 85.6.  Despite experiencing a slight dip from the top 10, it remains one of Africa’s most resilient brands with a valuation of $2.8 billion. 

Vodacom is expected to acquire additional stakes in Safaricom, a move that will further boost its future ratings. 

AXIAN telecoms-owned Yas was also named among the ‘Brand to Watch’ for 2026. Yas debuted in the top 20 strongest brands at 19th place with a BSI of 84.8/10. 

The recognition follows its notable rebranding effort to unify operations in Madagascar, Senegal, Togo, and Comoros. Across its operations, Yas holds a subscriber base of over 43 million subscribers. 

Globally, the Vietnamese state-owned Viettel Group emerged as the strongest telecoms brand, with a BSI score of 89.9/100.

Elon Musk-owned Starlink also climbed two places to 5th place among the most valuable telecoms infrastructure brands, with a value of $5.2 billion. This follows its expansion plans across the world. 

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