The Coca-Cola system contributed $3.6 billion in economic value to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region in 2024, while supporting more than 458,200 jobs, according to a new study unveiled at the 19th COMESA Business Forum.
Conducted by global consultancy Steward Redqueen, the study highlights the beverage company’s economic contribution through employment, local procurement and supply chain activities across the regional bloc.
The findings show that the Coca-Cola system, which includes bottlers, suppliers, distributors and retailers, contributed the equivalent of 0.3 per cent of COMESA’s combined gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024.
The system also spent nearly $1.5 billion on goods and services sourced from suppliers in COMESA member states, supporting businesses in sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, packaging, logistics and retail.
“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,” he added.
The 19th COMESA Business Forum brought together leaders from across the region to discuss trade, innovation and economic growth. Coca-Cola’s participation highlighted the role of private-sector investment and partnerships in strengthening economic ties across COMESA’s 21 member states.
Coca-Cola Supply Chain Supports More Than 458,000 Jobs
Beyond its direct operations, the Coca-Cola system supports employment across its wider supply chain, including agricultural production, manufacturing, distribution, transport and retail.
According to the study, the system supported more than 458,200 jobs across the region through direct employment and its value chain.
“For every direct job created by the Coca-Cola system in COMESA, an additional 28 jobs are supported throughout the regional economy,” Avellar said.
The findings point to the broader economic effects of the company’s relationships with local suppliers, distributors and retailers, many of which operate within interconnected regional supply chains.
“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 to driving innovation, collaboration and sustainable development in the region,” he added.
Water Stewardship and Community Development
Beyond its economic contribution, the Coca-Cola system continues to support sustainability and community development initiatives across the region.
Several COMESA member states benefit from the company’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, a programme valued at nearly $25 million that aims to address water-related challenges across 20 African countries by 2030.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to address water-related challenges and support communities in areas where water resources are essential to households, agriculture and business operations.
The study used a Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) model to assess the Coca-Cola system’s economic impact across its operations, local procurement and wider supply chain relationships.
The approach captures the indirect economic effects of business activities across interconnected sectors, illustrating how expenditure in one part of the economy can support employment and production elsewhere.
Concluding his remarks, Avellar emphasised the importance of partnerships in promoting regional development.
“The 19th COMESA Business Forum reaffirms the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. We are proud to collaborate with COMESA in building stronger economies and better futures for the communities we serve,” he said.
