HARARE, Zimbabwe, Oct. 20, 2026 — Coca-Cola’s operations and supply chain contributed $3.6 billion to economic activity across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in 2024, supporting more than 458,200 jobs, according to a study commissioned by the beverage group.
The findings, produced by global consultancy Steward Redqueen, were presented during the 19th COMESA Business Forum, highlighting the role of multinational companies and their local suppliers in generating employment and supporting industrial development across the 21-member regional bloc.
The study estimated that Coca-Cola’s contribution amounted to 0.3% of the region’s combined gross domestic product. Its operations, bottlers, distributors, suppliers and retailers supported jobs across agriculture, manufacturing, transport, retail and services.
The company also spent almost $1.5 billion on goods and services from suppliers in COMESA member countries in 2024, supporting industries including sugar production, packaging, manufacturing and logistics.
“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,” said Luis Felipe Avellar, president of Coca-Cola’s Africa Operating Unit.
The study found that for every direct job created by Coca-Cola’s system in the region, a further 28 jobs were supported across the wider economy, reflecting the company’s reliance on local procurement and distribution networks.
The figures cover the broader Coca-Cola system rather than the beverage maker’s own employees alone. The distinction is important because much of the reported economic contribution comes through independent bottlers, suppliers, distributors and retailers operating across the region.
“The Coca-Cola system operates as a critical economic engine across the COMESA region, empowering local suppliers, retailers, and distributors to thrive,” said Alfred Olajide, vice-president of East and Central Africa Operations at Coca-Cola.
The study used a multi-regional input-output model to estimate the economic effects of the company’s operations, procurement and supply-chain relationships. Such models trace how spending in one sector generates activity across connected industries, although the resulting estimates are not equivalent to direct measurements of jobs created solely by the company.
Beyond its commercial operations, Coca-Cola said it was supporting water-related initiatives across Africa. Its Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, a programme valued at nearly $25 million, aims to address water challenges in 20 African countries by 2030.
The findings were released as policymakers and business leaders gathered at the COMESA Business Forum to discuss trade, investment, innovation and regional integration. The forum provides a platform for companies to highlight their contribution to economic development while engaging with governments on policies intended to strengthen cross-border commerce.
Avellar said cooperation between businesses and regional institutions was important to sustaining growth.
“We are proud to collaborate with COMESA in building stronger economies and better futures for the communities we serve,” he said.
The study did not provide a breakdown of the $3.6 billion contribution by individual COMESA country, limiting the extent to which the figures show how economic benefits are distributed across the region.
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