Superbrands East Africa Celebrates Regional Icons at 2026 Tribute Awards

Superbrands East Africa Celebrates Regional Icons at 2026 Tribute Awards

Superbrands East Africa, the region’s longest-running brand recognition programme, hosted its 9th Tribute Awards on 29 January 2026 at the Sankara Hotel. The platform spans Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania and has become a trusted authority on brand quality.

Over the years, Superbrands has consistently recognised excellence, resilience, and consumer trust across East Africa’s most competitive markets.

Recognizing Market Leaders Across East Africa

Volume 9, delivered in partnership with Mastercard, honoured 61 companies for market leadership and sustained performance. Notably, the programme also recognised 75 brand custodians for the first time. These leaders represent the strategic minds behind some of the region’s strongest brands.

The 9th edition highlighted brands that continue to earn deep consumer trust. Kenyan winners included Naivas Supermarkets, Chandaria Industries, Equity Bank, Safisha, and Festive Bread.

In Tanzania, ITV, The Guardian, GSM, Amsons Group, Azam, Hisense, Tanfoam Arusha, and Whitedent received recognition. Uganda was represented by Tembo Steel.

Superbrands East Africa Celebrates Regional Icons at 2026 Tribute Awards

Top Honour Goes to Simba SC

The evening’s highest accolade, the MVP Sports Category, went to Tanzania’s Simba SC Football Club. Club CEO Zubeda Hassan Sakuru received the award on behalf of the team.

Simba SC has emerged as Tanzania’s most successful club in international competitions. Recently, the International Federation of Football History and Statistics ranked the club among Africa’s top five.

Two Decades of Brand Evolution

Reflecting on Superbrands’ journey since 2007, Project Director Jawad Jaffer highlighted the programme’s digital transformation.

In 2010, Superbrands introduced consumer voting, allowing thousands to select the brands they trust most. Subsequently, the organisation digitised more than 42,000 brand profiles.

Moreover, Superbrands TV has surpassed 15 million YouTube views. The programme has also introduced brand portfolio valuation to help companies assess real market value.

Leadership Lessons for a Borderless Africa

A high-energy panel explored what drives African leaders to excel across borders in 2026. Moderated by Shreya Karia of SHK Consulting, the discussion featured Dr. Vimal Shah, Tom Sitati, Vikas Mehta, and Zubeda Sakuru.

Dr. Shah urged African leaders to reclaim confidence and self-belief. Meanwhile, Tom Sitati spoke about rising ambition and pride across the continent. Sakuru highlighted football’s power to unite beyond politics. In addition, Mehta stressed empathy as the foundation for scaling brands across cultures.

Innovation Rooted in Continental Pride

The evening closed with the unveiling of Volume 9’s hard cover. It featured an aerial image of Mount Kilimanjaro by the late Mohamed Amin.

Speaking at the event, Salim Amin shared the story behind the photograph. He noted that Amin’s work captured Africa’s story with courage, creativity, and authenticity.