The Coca-Cola system contributed $3.6 billion to economic activity across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in 2024, while supporting more than 458,200 jobs, according to a new study highlighting the beverage industry's links with regional economies.
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 COMESA's combined gross domestic product (GDP).
It also found that the system spent nearly $1.5 billion on goods and services sourced from suppliers in COMESA member states, supporting industries including agriculture, sugar production, packaging, manufacturing and logistics.
The findings were released on Thursday, October 23, 2026, during the 19th COMESA Business Forum, where regional leaders and business representatives are discussing trade, investment, innovation and economic integration.
The figures highlight the contribution of large beverage companies to employment and business activity beyond their direct operations, particularly through supply chains involving farmers, manufacturers, transporters and small retailers.
“For every direct job created by the Coca-Cola system in COMESA, an additional 28 jobs are supported throughout the regional economy,” said Luis Felipe Avellar, president of Coca-Cola's Africa Operating Unit.
He said the company's local partnerships, investments and supply chains continued to create economic opportunities across the region.
Alfred Olajide, Coca-Cola's vice president for East and Central Africa Operations, said the company's activities extended beyond beverage production to supporting suppliers, retailers and distributors.
“The Coca-Cola system operates as a critical economic engine across the COMESA region, empowering local suppliers, retailers, and distributors to thrive,” he said.
The scale of local procurement identified in the study points to the importance of domestic supply chains in distributing the benefits of investment. However, the extent to which individual businesses and households benefit depends on factors such as the distribution of contracts, the quality of jobs created and the participation of smaller enterprises.
For farmers and manufacturers, demand from large companies can provide markets for agricultural produce and locally manufactured inputs. Transporters, wholesalers and retailers can also benefit from the movement and sale of products across regional markets.
The study used a Multi-Regional Input-Output model to estimate the economic effects of Coca-Cola's operations, procurement and wider value-chain relationships. Such models trace how spending in one sector generates economic activity in connected industries.
Beyond its economic contribution, Coca-Cola said it was supporting water-related initiatives through its Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, a programme valued at nearly $25 million that aims to address water challenges across 20 African countries by 2030.
The company said several COMESA member states were benefiting from the initiative, although the statement did not provide country-specific allocations or details of the projects.
Water management is an important issue for beverage producers because their operations depend on reliable water supplies, while communities and other industries also require access to the resource.
Avellar said the COMESA Business Forum provided an opportunity for businesses and regional institutions to work together towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
COMESA brings together 21 member countries and promotes regional trade, investment and economic cooperation.
The study's findings offer an indication of the economic footprint of the Coca-Cola system across the bloc. However, the reported $3.6 billion represents estimated value-added economic activity rather than company revenue, while the 458,200 jobs include both direct and indirect employment supported across the value chain.
The release did not provide a breakdown of the jobs by country, sector, employment status or gender, nor did it specify how many of the supported positions were newly created during 2024.