Coca-Cola economic impact in COMESA region

A study by consultancy Steward Redqueen, presented at the 19th COMESA Business Forum, indicates that the Coca-Cola system contributed US$3.6 billion to the economic activity of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in 2024. This amount represents approximately 0.3 percent of the region’s combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The findings highlight significant employment and procurement effects. The system supported more than 458,200 direct and indirect jobs, with Luis Felipe Avellar, President of Coca-Cola’s Africa Operating Unit, noting that for every direct job created, an additional 28 jobs are supported in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, retail, transport, and services.

In 2024, the company spent nearly US$1.5 billion on goods and services from suppliers within the 21 COMESA member states, benefiting industries including sugar production, packaging, and logistics. Additionally, the Coca-Cola Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, valued at approximately US$25 million, aims to address water challenges across 20 African countries by 2030.