Coca-Cola isn’t just selling soft drinks in Africa—it’s pouring billions into the continent’s economy and changing lives while doing it. In 2024 alone, the beverage giant revealed that it added a staggering $10.4 billion in value-added economic activity across Africa. This announcement was made at the 2025 US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola.
The numbers came from a major socio-economic study by global consultancy Steward Redqueen, which took a deep dive into how Coca-Cola’s operations ripple through African economies. According to the report, the company’s system—made up of Coca-Cola itself and its network of authorised bottling partners—was directly and indirectly responsible for supporting over one million jobs last year.
Out of this, 36,800 jobs were directly within Coca-Cola’s system, while nearly 987,000 jobs were supported across other sectors like agriculture, retail, transport, manufacturing, and services. Essentially, for every direct job Coca-Cola created, 27 other jobs sprang up across its value chain.
Luisa Ortega, President of Coca-Cola’s Africa Operating Unit, explained that their long-standing partnerships with local businesses are key to creating sustainable growth and real impact. “Our work with local bottlers and suppliers allows us to keep value within Africa, building stronger communities and economies,” she said.
That local-first approach is evident in the company’s procurement strategy. In 2024, Coca-Cola spent $4.3 billion on local goods and services, which accounted for 83% of its total supply chain spending. From ingredients to packaging and logistics, most of it was sourced within Africa—keeping money circulating in local economies.
And Coca-Cola isn’t slowing down. Over the next five years, the company plans to invest another $1.2 billion across the continent. That’s on top of a $25 million commitment to tackle water challenges in 20 African countries by 2030, further proving the company’s focus on long-term sustainability.
Steward Redqueen’s managing partner, Teodora Nenova, said the impact study didn’t just look at financial input, but also the broader effect Coca-Cola has on everyday lives. “Coca-Cola’s presence reaches deep into Africa’s economies and communities. Our study highlights the scale of its local impact and the real opportunities it creates for people across the continent,” she said.
By prioritizing local sourcing, investing in communities, and driving employment, Coca-Cola is showing that a global brand can thrive while staying rooted in African soil. The company’s model is not just about profits—it’s about partnering with the continent for sustainable growth and shared prosper
