Keypoints:
- $10.4bn added to Africa’s economy in 2024
- Over 1 million jobs supported continent-wide
- $1.2bn in new investments planned by 2030
THE Coca-Cola Company has revealed it contributed $10.4bn in value-added economic activity across Africa in 2024, highlighting the beverage giant’s sweeping influence on the continent’s job creation, local procurement and sustainable development. The announcement came during the 2025 US-Africa Business Summit held in Luanda, Angola.
The findings are drawn from a comprehensive socio-economic impact study conducted by global consultancy Steward Redqueen, which assessed Coca-Cola’s reach across its African value chain.
Over 1 million jobs linked to Coca-Cola system
The study found that Coca-Cola’s system—including the parent company and its authorised local bottling partners—supported more than 1 million jobs in Africa last year. This includes 36,800 direct jobs within the system and 987,000 indirect jobs spanning sectors such as retail, agriculture, transport, manufacturing and services.
For every direct Coca-Cola job created on the continent, 27 additional jobs were supported along the broader value chain.
‘Our long-standing presence in Africa, working with locally owned bottlers and suppliers, allows us to drive more sustainable growth and contribute to the continent’s development,’ said Luisa Ortega, President of Coca-Cola’s Africa operating unit.
Local supply chains drive sustainable value
Coca-Cola’s deep localisation strategy underpinned its economic impact. In 2024, the company invested $4.3bn in local procurement—representing 83 percent of its total spend on goods and services. Most ingredients, packaging, and distribution activities are handled within the continent, ensuring that value is retained locally.
This business model, Ortega explained, is key to Coca-Cola’s ability to generate lasting economic value. ‘Our unique operating model allows us to make a lasting impact in local communities,’ she said.
Investing in Africa’s future growth
Looking ahead, Coca-Cola plans to invest nearly $1.2bn across Africa over the next five years. In addition, it has committed $25mn to tackle water-related challenges across 20 African markets by 2030—underscoring the company’s focus on sustainability and resilience in its host communities.
‘The Coca-Cola Company’s commitment to Africa remains steadfast,’ Ortega affirmed. ‘We are hopeful that stable and predictable policy environments will enable more investments in the months and years ahead.’
Study underscores systemic economic influence
The methodology used by Steward Redqueen combined Coca-Cola’s operational data with independent economic indicators to paint a holistic picture of the system’s influence. Beyond direct contributions, the study illustrates how Coca-Cola drives economic activity across multiple industries and geographic regions.
‘Our impact assessment reveals the wide-reaching economic footprint of the Coca-Cola system across Africa,’ said Teodora Nenova, Managing Partner at Steward Redqueen. ‘The findings highlight the scale of Coca-Cola’s local presence and its ongoing contribution to economic opportunity and livelihoods across the continent.’
Sustainable model rooted in local partnerships
Coca-Cola’s African strategy—anchored in local sourcing, investment and employment—positions it as a vital economic player as well as a development partner. By embedding itself in regional supply chains and communities, the company not only quenches thirst but also fuels livelihoods and long-term economic momentum across the continent.
