The Coca-Cola system contributed USD 3.6 billion to the economies of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in 2024, while supporting more than 458,200 jobs across the regional bloc, according to a new study released during the 19th COMESA Business Forum in Harare, Zimbabwe
The study, conducted by global consultancy Steward Redqueen, found that the company’s economic contribution represented 0.3 per cent of COMESA’s combined gross domestic product (GDP), highlighting its role in supporting trade, employment and local industries.
The findings cover the wider Coca-Cola system, including bottlers, suppliers, distributors and retailers operating across the region.
The study also revealed that the company’s operations and value chain supported employment across agriculture, manufacturing, retail, transport and services, demonstrating how beverage production and distribution contribute to economic activity beyond direct company operations.
Local Suppliers Drive Economic Growth
According to the report, the Coca-Cola system spent nearly USD 1.5 billion on goods and services sourced from suppliers in COMESA member countries in 2024.
The expenditure supported businesses operating in industries such as sugar production, packaging, manufacturing and logistics, helping strengthen local supply chains and stimulate industrial growth.
Luis Felipe Avellar, President of Coca-Cola’s Africa Operating Unit, said the findings demonstrated the economic opportunities generated through local partnerships, investments and supply networks.
He noted that the COMESA Business Forum provided an important platform to demonstrate how businesses contribute to sustainable economic development across Africa.
The study further found that for every direct job created by the Coca-Cola system in COMESA, an additional 28 jobs were supported across the regional economy.
This employment multiplier reflects the company’s broader economic relationships with suppliers, distributors, retailers and other businesses involved in producing and delivering its beverages.
Regional Trade and Investment
The findings were unveiled at the 19th COMESA Business Forum, which brings together business leaders and other stakeholders to discuss trade, innovation and economic growth across the regional bloc.
Coca-Cola’s participation reflects its engagement with efforts to strengthen economic ties among COMESA’s 21 member countries.
Alfred Olajide, Vice President of East and Central Africa Operations at Coca-Cola, said the company’s contribution extended beyond beverage production to include supporting local suppliers, retailers and distributors.
He added that collaboration and innovation remained important in advancing sustainable development and creating economic opportunities across the region.
The study used a Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) model to assess the economic impact of Coca-Cola’s operations, procurement activities and value chain connections.
The approach examined how spending and business activities in one sector generate economic effects across other industries and markets.
Sustainability and Community Development
Beyond its economic contribution, Coca-Cola continues to support sustainability initiatives across Africa, including programmes addressing water-related challenges.
Several COMESA member states benefit from the company’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, a programme valued at nearly USD 25 million that aims to address water challenges across 20 African countries by 2030.
The initiative forms part of the company’s broader engagement with environmental and community development priorities in markets where it operates.
Avellar said collaboration between businesses and regional institutions remained important in promoting inclusive economic growth.
The study’s findings highlight the role of interconnected supply chains in supporting employment, strengthening local industries and contributing to regional GDP.