Coca-Cola

Global drinks major Coca-Cola, along with its bottling partners, is planning to invest around $5bn in Africa over the next six years.

The move will bring the investment in the continent to $17bn from 2010 to 2020.

As part of the investment, the company will see the installation of new manufacturing lines, cooling and distribution equipment.

The investment will also fund Coca-Cola’s African supply chain; and support key sustainability initiatives and programs focused on safe water access, sustainable sourcing, women’s economic empowerment, community well-being and operational efficiency improvements.

Coca-Cola chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent said: "Even as we see tremendous growth potential in Africa, we know that the strength and sustainability of our business are tied directly to the strength and sustainability of the African communities we proudly serve," Kent added.

In addition, the company has signed a letter of intent with New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition and Grow Africa to launch local sourcing initiative Source Africa.

Under the initiative, the company will source local ingredient for its products and will focus on sustainable mango and tea production in Kenya; citrus, mango and pineapple production in Nigeria; and mango in Malawi.

Source Africa will be extended to Ethiopia, Senegal, Tanzania and Mozambique over the future.

Coca-Cola will also expand its Replenish Africa Initiative to bring safe water Access to 6 million people across the continent by 2020.

Image: Coca-Cola plans to use a part of its investment towards the economic development of African women. Photo: courtesy of The Coca-Cola Company.