At the 19th COMESA Business Forum, the Coca-Cola system presented a study that placed its 2024 value-added contribution to the region at USD 3.6 billion.
The analysis, carried out by global consultancy Steward Redqueen, estimated that the system’s activities supported more than 458,200 jobs directly and indirectly across agriculture, manufacturing, retail, transport and services.
Local procurement by the system reached almost USD 1.5 billion, benefitting suppliers in sectors such as sugar production, packaging, manufacturing and logistics.
Luis Felipe Avellar, President of Coca-Cola’s Africa Operating Unit, said: “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.”
He added that each direct job generated by the system corresponded to an additional 28 jobs throughout the regional economy.
Alfred Olajide, Vice President of East and Central Africa Operations at Coca-Cola, described the system as “a critical economic engine across the COMESA region, empowering local suppliers, retailers, and distributors to thrive.”
The study placed the system’s contribution at 0.3 per cent of COMESA’s combined gross domestic product for 2024.
It also highlighted the Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, a programme of nearly USD 25 million aimed at addressing water challenges in 20 African countries by 2030.
The findings were derived using a Multi-Regional Input-Output model that captured the system’s impact through its operations, local sourcing and extensive value-chain linkages.
Avellar concluded: “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.”
