Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative for Nigeria and 19 Others
The Coca-Cola Company, along with its bottling partners Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC), and Coca-Cola HBC, has announced a significant investment of nearly USD 25 million aimed at addressing urgent water-related issues in local communities across 20 African nations. This initiative will commence this year and extend through 2030. The Global Water Challenge (GWC) will spearhead the project, which will be executed in collaboration with a consortium of partners, including The Nature Conservancy (TNC), The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The initiative, titled ‘The Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative,’ was unveiled in Cape Town, South Africa, in the presence of executives from the Coca-Cola system in Africa and representatives from non-governmental organizations. During the announcement, Karyn Harrington, Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at The Coca-Cola Company’s Africa Operating Unit, emphasized the importance of water, stating, “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 confront growing water insecurity globally, particularly in regions like Africa where demand exceeds supply, Coca-Cola is committed to accelerating efforts to mitigate water stress, safeguard local water resources, and enhance community resilience to climate change. Our 2030 Water Security Strategy is designed to improve water security in the areas where we operate, source ingredients, and impact lives.”
Monica Ellis, CEO of GWC, remarked, “One in three Africans faces water insecurity. The partnership coalition formed under ‘The Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative’ aims to enhance water security for millions throughout the African continent, thereby promoting community health and resilience through access to clean and abundant water. We commend Coca-Cola for its ongoing leadership in addressing water security in Africa.”
The Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative
The Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, part of The Coca-Cola System, is designed to safeguard and improve the health of vital watersheds while enhancing access to water and sanitation services within local communities. This initiative will be implemented in various countries, including Algeria, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mayotte, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Layla Jeevanantham, Chief Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Officer at CCBA, stated, “CCBA is committed to assisting those experiencing water scarcity and to protecting local water resources in our operational areas, particularly in regions facing significant challenges. We take pride in collaborating with The Coca-Cola Company on this initiative.”
Sonia Ventosa, Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Manager at ECCBC, remarked, “We are honored to collaborate with The Coca-Cola Company and other bottlers on this vital initiative aimed at addressing water issues throughout Africa. By joining forces, we can utilize the expertise of our partners and the insights of local communities to develop sustainable solutions that improve water access and protect essential water resources.”
Marcel Martin, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer at Coca-Cola HBC, expressed, “Having been part of African communities for over 70 years, sustainability is integral to our operations. We are delighted to witness the launch of this new water initiative and to support the system’s efforts in water stewardship.”
Acknowledging the importance of partnerships in facilitating this endeavor, the company and its bottlers are working in conjunction with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to formulate and execute strategic interventions. This initiative not only supports the company’s water strategy but also seeks to further the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation resources.
This water initiative will build upon The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF)’s Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), a pioneering collaboration with essential partners and co-funders that enhanced access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for 6 million individuals across various African nations from 2009 to 2019. Through 120 projects, the initiative has made a significant positive impact on homes, schools, and healthcare facilities in over 4,000 communities.
