Coca-Cola Beverages Africa paid a courtesy visit to the COMESA Secretariat to discuss strategies for strengthening partnerships aimed at driving economic growth and enhancing investments in regional value chains. The meeting which took place on 21st January 2025 underscored Coca-Cola’s commitment to sustainable local initiatives and job creation across the region.
During the visit, the Coca-Cola team presented a range of their ongoing investment projects, highlighting their efforts in promoting local employment and sustainability. The discussions revolved around unlocking the full potential of Africa and the COMESA region, with a focus on exploring opportunities to expand value chains and promote regional growth.
Ms. Karyn Harrington, Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, expressed the company’s dedication to contributing to the region’s economic landscape.
“We believe that our investments not only help create jobs but also empower local communities,” she stated.
COMESA’s Director of Industry and Agriculture, Ms. Providence Mavumbi, emphasized the significance of fostering high-level partnerships that deliver direct benefits to local communities.
Ms. Mavumbi also encouraged Coca-Cola to leverage ongoing initiatives such as the Local Sourcing for Partnerships and many others, urging the company to prioritize local producers for sourcing raw materials.
“Empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is vital for sustainable development,” she remarked, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts with industry leaders like Coca-Cola.
Ms Mavubi noted that by sourcing locally, Coca-Cola can help strengthen regional supply chains and enhance economic resilience for the region at large and Member States in particular.
The Coca-Cola delegation included Ms. Karyn Harrington, Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Mr. Shiletsi Makhofane, Senior Director, Public Policy as well as Mr. Ian Hirschfeld, Senior Director, Economic Policy. Others are, Mr. Eugene Ngumi, Director, Public Affairs, Sustainability for East and Central Africa and Mr. Simon Kaheru, Director, Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability for East Africa and Mr Panji Banda the Marketing Manager at Coca Cola Zambia.
Further meetings were agreed upon to foster building of robust partnerships that benefit local communities in the COMESA Member States which will further stimulate investment in value chains.