Coca-Cola launches $1.94 million water project in Tanzania to restore the Ruvu Basin, improve sustainability, and support farmers through climate-resilient and nature-based solutions.

TANZANIA – The Coca-Cola system has announced a $1.94 million investment to strengthen water security in Tanzania, focusing on the restoration of the Ruvu Basin, a critical water source for Dar es Salaam and surrounding regions.
The basin supports an estimated nine million people and plays a vital role in agricultural, domestic, and industrial water supply across eastern Tanzania.
The project will deploy nature-based solutions aimed at improving water replenishment, rehabilitating degraded landscapes, and promoting sustainable water management practices.
These approaches are increasingly being adopted in water governance frameworks across Africa for their ability to balance environmental restoration with community livelihoods.
The programme will be implemented by the Global Water Challenge in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Wami Ruvu Basin Water Board.
Key activities will include catchment restoration efforts such as tree planting, alongside the promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices. At least 2,000 farmers are expected to benefit from the initiative, highlighting a broader focus on linking environmental sustainability with rural economic stability.
The investment forms part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, launched in 2024, which commits nearly US$25 million toward addressing water-related challenges in 20 African countries by 2030.
The initiative aligns with continental priorities, including those outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which emphasizes sustainable natural resource management and climate resilience.
Water insecurity remains a growing concern across Africa due to climate variability, population growth, and increasing demand for water resources. In Tanzania, the Ruvu Basin has come under pressure from urban expansion and agricultural activities, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
Stakeholders view efforts to restore catchments and strengthen water stewardship as essential to maintaining water supply and supporting socio-economic development.
Coca-Cola Kwanza rewards distributors
Separately, Coca-Cola Kwanza (CCK) recently recognized top-performing distributors by awarding six Tuk-Tuks under a Returnable Glass Bottle (RGB) incentive programme conducted in the fourth quarter of last year. The initiative aimed to reward distributors driving growth and improving product accessibility across Tanzania.
The Tuk-Tuks were awarded to four distributors with the highest RGB sales volumes in the fourth quarter and two additional distributors for achieving the highest annual RGB sales in 2025.
“For CCK, partnering with customers for growth means deeply understanding and prioritising the needs of customers and end consumers by delivering value beyond just selling beverages. This aligns with our goal of being the most consumer-centric, customer-driven, and admired beverage company in Africa,” said David Chait, General Manager of Coca-Cola Kwanza. ‘
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.