Coca-Cola system to invest over US$1B in South Africa through 2030 to boost growth and jobs
Coca-Cola commits R17.6bn to South Africa, reinforcing long-term growth, job creation, and local sourcing while expanding production, distribution, and innovation across its value chain.
SOUTH AFRICA – The Coca-Cola system in South Africa has announced plans to invest R17.6 billion (US$1.05B) in the country through 2030, reinforcing its long-term commitment to economic growth, job creation, and local development.
The system, which includes The Coca-Cola Company and its authorized bottlers Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, said the investment will support expanded production capacity, strengthen distribution networks, and accelerate innovation across its value chain.
Luis Felipe Avellar, President of The Coca-Cola Company’s Africa operating unit, said the investment reflects confidence in the country’s future.
“Our R17.6 billion investment reflects our strong belief in South Africa’s potential and our commitment to growing alongside the communities we serve. We hire locally, produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally, helping to build a stronger, more integrated economy in South Africa,” he said.
According to a socio-economic impact study conducted by Steward Redqueen, the system generated R51.2 billion (US$3.1 billion) in value-added economic activity in 2024.
The Coca-Cola system also supported more than 87,000 jobs across the country, including 7,822 direct roles and an estimated 79,300 jobs through suppliers, partners, and customers. This translates to ten additional jobs supported across the economy for every direct job created within the system.
Local sourcing remains a key component of Coca-Cola’s operations. In 2024, the system procured R25.6 billion (US$1.52 billion) worth of goods and services from South African suppliers, supporting industries such as agriculture, packaging, transportation, and marketing.
“South Africa remains one of our most strategic markets in Africa—the beginning of a legacy that dates back to Coca-Cola’s first entry on the continent in 1928. These findings reaffirm the Coca-Cola system’s role as a key driver of shared value and sustainable growth within the South African economy,” said Sunil Gupta, CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.
Beyond economic contributions, South Africa is also part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, a nearly $25 million programme through 2030 aimed at addressing water challenges in local communities across 20 African countries.
“We are optimistic about South Africa’s future, with a continued focus on investing in our business and in initiatives that support economic inclusion and lasting local prosperity,” said Charl Goncalves, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages.
The investment announcement comes as Coca-Cola HBC moves to acquire a majority stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.
“Congratulations to the Coca-Cola system on this investment announcement. After the transaction completes, we look forward to continuing the great work of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa in the years to come,” said Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC.
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