Coca-Cola system contributes USD 3.6 billion to COMESA GDP

A study conducted by consultancy Steward Redqueen reveals that the Coca-Cola system contributed USD 3.6 billion to the combined GDP of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region in 2024. This figure represents approximately 0.3% of the region's total GDP.

The report, unveiled during the 19th COMESA Business Forum, highlights the company's role in employment and local industry support. The system, which includes bottlers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers, supported over 458,200 jobs. Luis Felipe Avellar, President of Coca-Cola’s Africa Operating Unit, noted that for every direct job created by the system, an additional 28 jobs are supported throughout the regional economy.

In terms of local procurement, the Coca-Cola system spent nearly USD 1.5 billion on suppliers across the COMESA region in 2024, benefiting sectors such as manufacturing, packaging, and sugar production.