The Coca-Cola Company and Partners Invest $25 Million to Tackle Water Crisis in Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa– The Coca-Cola Company in Africa and its bottling partners Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), announced a nearly USD 25 million investment to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African countries, starting this year through 2030. The work will be led by Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by a consortium of partners, including The Nature Conservancy (TNC), The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The effort, called ‘The Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative’, was introduced in Cape Town, South Africa, in the presence of executives from the Coca-Cola system in Africa and NGO partners. During the event, Karyn Harrington, Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at The Coca-Cola Company’s Africa Operating Unit indicated, “Water is a priority for The Coca-Cola Company and its local bottling partners because it is essential to life, the communities we serve and our beverages.

As we face increasing water insecurity worldwide, with demand outstripping supply in many regions such as Africa, Coca-Cola is taking steps to help accelerate efforts to address water stress, protect local water resources, and build community climate resilience. Our 2030 Water Security Strategy focuses on helping enhance water security where we operate, source ingredients, and touch lives.”

“One in three Africans face water insecurity. The Global Water Challenge and ‘The Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative partner coalition will seek to improve water security for millions across the African continent, helping advance community health and resilience through abundant, clean Water. We applaud Coca-Cola’s continued leadership on African water security,” said Monica Ellis, CEO of GWC.

“Coca-Cola HBC has been part of African communities for over 70 years, and sustainability is an important part of our operations. We’re delighted to see this new water initiative come to life and to support the system’s water stewardship efforts,” said Marcel Martin, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer at Coca-Cola HBC.

The company and its bottlers collaborate with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to design and implement strategic interventions. In addition to supporting the company’s water strategy, this effort also aims to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring water and sanitation availability and sustainable management.