Business Reporter
THE Coca-Cola System is among the top economic drivers in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), contributing approximately US$3.6 billion in value-added economic activity across the region while supporting over 458 200 direct and indirect jobs covering sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, retail, transport, and services.
According to a recent study, the Coca-Cola System spent almost US$1.5 billion on goods and services from suppliers in COMESA member countries in 2024, driving local industry growth and economic resilience.
This emerged during the 19th COMESA Business Forum in Harare, a major economic platform for promoting trade and regional integration hosted by Zimbabwe ahead of the Heads of States and Government Summit where President Mnangagwa is set to assume the chairmanship of the 21-member bloc this week.
At the Forum, the Coca-Cola system unveiled the results of a new study, conducted by global consultancy – Steward Redqueen- which highlights the transformative role Coca-Cola plays in fostering economic progress, creating employment, and supporting local industries.
“As this study shows, the Coca-Cola system continues to deliver substantial economic impact in COMESA, creating opportunities through local partnerships, investments, and supply chains,” said Luis Felipe Avellar, president of Coca-Cola’s Africa Operating Unit.
“The 19th COMESA Business Forum is an important platform to showcase how businesses like those that comprise the Coca-Cola system contribute to sustainable economic development in Africa.”
The 19th COMESA Business Forum has brought together leaders from across the region to discuss trade, innovation, and economic growth. Coca-Cola’s active participation as a key collaborator demonstrates its alignment with the forum’s mission of building stronger economic ties across the region’s 21 member countries.
The study further reveals that the Coca-Cola system, incorporating its network of bottlers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers, contributed US$3.6 billion to the region’s combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, representing 0.3 percent of COMESA’s GDP.
Through direct employment and its value chain, the system supported over 458,200 jobs.
“For every direct job created by the Coca-Cola system in COMESA, an additional 28 jobs are supported throughout the regional economy,” said Avellar.
In addition to its employment multiplier, she said the Coca-Cola system’s integration within local economies fuels industrial and community advancement.
The report highlighted that Coca-Cola spent almost US$1.5 billion on suppliers across the COMESA region in 2024, benefitting industries like sugar production, manufacturing, packaging, and logistics.
“The Coca-Cola system operates as a critical economic engine across the COMESA region, empowering local suppliers, retailers, and distributors to thrive,” said Alfred Olajide, vice president of East and Central Africa Operations at Coca-Cola.
“The 19th COMESA Business Forum provides a meaningful opportunity to underscore our commitment not just to delivering beverages, but also driving innovation, collaborations, and sustainable development in the region.”
Beyond economic contributions, the Coca-Cola system continues to champion sustainability and community development initiatives in the region. Several COMESA member states benefit directly from the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, a nearly US$25 million programme that addresses water-related challenges across 20 African countries by 2030.
The study leveraged a robust Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) model to capture the Coca-Cola system’s impact across its activities, including operations, local procurement, and extensive value chain linkages.
The findings demonstrate how Coca-Cola drives ripple effects through the economy, from agriculture to retail, illustrating the company’s strategic role in driving regional development.
“The 19th COMESA Business Forum reaffirms the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
“We’re proud to collaborate with COMESA in building stronger economies and better futures for the communities we serve,” said Avellar.
The Coca Cola Company is a total beverages company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories.
