COCA-COLA, COMESA UNITE: ESWATINI TO BENEFIT

MBABANE – Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region. The beverage giant’s courtesy visit to the COMESA Secretariat on Tuesday, presents opportunities for member States, including Eswatini, to benefit from enhanced regional partnerships, job creation and sustainable value chains. The meeting, hosted by COMESA’s Director of Industry and Agriculture, Providence Mavubi, highlighted Coca-Cola’s extensive investment projects and its focus on strengthening local economies through manufacturing, sourcing and distribution.
For Eswatini, which hosts the Coca-Cola Concentrate Plant—a key supplier to the African market—this engagement could mean increased export earnings, job creation and support for local businesses.

operations

Eswatini plays a crucial role in Coca-Cola’s operations across Africa. The Coca-Cola Concentrate Plant, located in Matsapha, supplies concentrate to beverage bottling plants throughout the continent. This makes the plant one of the country’s largest exporters, significantly contributing to foreign currency earnings and economic stability.
Through its operations, Coca-Cola generates employment for hundreds of workers in Eswatini, while indirectly supporting thousands more through partnerships with local suppliers, distributors and retailers.

The company’s commitment to sustainability has also resulted in impactful initiatives such as water conservation projects, waste management programmes and community development efforts that benefit Eswatini’s citizens. During the meeting, Coca-Cola outlined its vision of unlocking Africa’s full potential by strengthening regional value chains.
This involves sourcing ingredients locally, supporting small-scale farmers and expanding its manufacturing footprint to drive economic growth in member states. For Eswatini, these efforts could create opportunities to further integrate into regional supply chains, boosting agricultural productivity and creating additional revenue streams for local farmers.

solutions

Additionally, the company’s focus on sustainability aligns with Eswatini’s environmental goals, offering solutions for waste reduction and water stewardship. Coca-Cola’s engagement with COMESA reflects a growing recognition of the importance of public-private partnerships in driving industrialisation and inclusive growth. By working together, Coca-Cola and COMESA aim to empower communities, promote regional trade and attract more investments into the region. Eswatini stands to benefit significantly from these initiatives, with the potential for increased economic activity, job opportunities and infrastructure development. As the nation continues to position itself as a key player in the region, Coca-Cola’s commitment to sustainable local investments could play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for the kingdom and its people.

This collaboration underscores the importance of regional unity and innovation in addressing economic challenges and unlocking the potential of Africa’s people and resources.
COMESA is a regional economic bloc comprising 21 African member states. It was established to promote economic integration, trade and cooperation among its members by reducing trade barriers, harmonising regulations and fostering regional development.

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