The Coca-Cola system contributed $3.6 billion (about Shs13.5 trillion) to the economies of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in 2024, while supporting more than 458,200 jobs, a new study has revealed.
The study, conducted by global consultancy Steward Redqueen, found that the company’s network of bottlers, suppliers, distributors and retailers accounted for 0.3 per cent of the combined gross domestic product of the 21-member regional bloc.
The findings highlight the economic influence of the beverage giant beyond drink production, with its supply chains supporting employment and businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, packaging, transport, retail and other services.
The report was unveiled on October 20 at the 19th COMESA Business Forum in Harare, Zimbabwe, where regional leaders and business executives gathered to discuss trade, investment and economic integration.
Luis Felipe Avellar, president of Coca-Cola’s Africa Operating Unit, said the findings demonstrate the contribution of local partnerships, investments and supply chains to economic development.
“The Coca-Cola system continues to deliver substantial economic impact in COMESA, creating opportunities through local partnerships, investments and supply chains,” Avellar said.
The study found that for every direct job created by the Coca-Cola system in the region, another 28 jobs were supported across the wider economy.
This employment multiplier reflects the company’s reliance on local suppliers, distributors and retailers, whose activities generate additional business and employment opportunities.
The report also found that the Coca-Cola system spent nearly $1.5 billion (about Shs5.6 trillion) on goods and services sourced from suppliers across COMESA member states in 2024.
The spending benefited industries such as sugar production, manufacturing, packaging and logistics, helping local businesses participate in the company’s regional supply chain.
Alfred Olajide, Coca-Cola’s vice-president for East and Central Africa operations, said the company’s contribution extends beyond supplying beverages to consumers.
“The Coca-Cola system operates as a critical economic engine across the COMESA region, empowering local suppliers, retailers and distributors to thrive,” Olajide said.
He added that the regional business forum provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, encourage innovation and promote sustainable development.
Beyond its economic contribution, Coca-Cola is also implementing water stewardship initiatives across Africa. Its Africa Water Stewardship Initiative is a nearly $25 million (about Shs93.8 billion) programme targeting water-related challenges in 20 African countries by 2030.
The study used a Multi-Regional Input-Output model to assess the company’s economic footprint, including its direct operations, local procurement and wider value-chain relationships.
The model tracks how spending in one part of the economy supports activity in other sectors, providing a broader picture of the company’s contribution to regional economic output and employment.
Avellar said cooperation between businesses and regional institutions would remain important in building stronger economies and supporting inclusive growth.
The 19th COMESA Business Forum seeks to strengthen trade and economic ties among member states, with private-sector participation viewed as central to regional integration and investment.
