Coca-Cola Kwanza celebrates 30 years of growth, innovation and community impact in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Coca-Cola Kwanza Ltd has marked 30 years of operations, a major milestone in a journey defined by steady expansion, continued investment and a strong legacy of community support across the country.  

The Coca-Cola brand’s presence in Tanzania began in 1952 with the opening of the first local bottling facility, then known as Tanganyika Bottlers, in Dar es Salaam. This marked the beginning of a legacy that would later evolve into Coca-Cola Kwanza Ltd. In 1995, Coca-Cola SABCO (Pty) Ltd acquired several bottling companies, which subsequently adopted the Coca-Cola Kwanza name. During this period, the company also launched the Mikocheni production plant, inaugurated by the late President Benjamin William Mkapa in 1997. The facility introduced advanced manufacturing standards and further cemented the company’s role in Tanzania’s economic landscape. In 2016, Coca-Cola SABCO merged with other entities to become Coca-Cola Beverages Africa and Coca-Cola Kwanza forms part of the group that spans 14 countries. 

“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we proudly reflect on our journey in Tanzania and reaffirm our commitment to sustainable growth and lasting community impact. We will continue to invest in our people, our operations and the Tanzanian communities we serve,” said David Chait, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Kwanza.  

Over the past three decades, Coca-Cola Kwanza has expanded its manufacturing footprint with key production plants in Dar es Salaam and Mbeya, earned recognition as a Top Employer in Tanzania, and maintained a strong workplace culture rooted in people-centred practices. The company celebrates this milestone alongside employees, partners, government representatives, customers, and community stakeholders.  

“Looking ahead, Coca-Cola Kwanza  remains committed to advancing economic inclusion, strengthening local partnerships, investing in sustainable production, and continuing to refresh millions of consumers across the country,” added Mr Chait.  

Coca-Cola Kwanza currently employs more than 500 people. In addition, hundreds of thousands of vendors and suppliers across the value chain have benefited from related economic opportunities. This growth underscores the company’s long-standing contribution to job creation and economic participation in Tanzania.  

Beyond its core business operations, Coca-Cola Kwanza has championed impactful community programmes in education, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability. These initiatives demonstrate the company’s dedication to creating shared value and supporting Tanzania’s long-term socio-economic development. 

Related Media Releases

Recycling Heroes Project to support packaging collection and economic inclusion in northern Namibia

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Namibia, in collaboration with local authorities, recyclers and the Recycling Namibia Forum (RNF), has launched the 2026 Recycling Heroes Project in Rundu and Ondangwa. This community-focused initiative aims to strengthen packaging collection and recycling practices while contributing to economic inclusion in two of Namibia’s growing towns.

Trust: The Foundation of Sustainable Business Success

An Opinion Editorial from Kirunda Magoola, Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda

Seasoned Industry Leader Henry Friedrich Returns to the Coca-Cola System to Lead CCBA in Namibia

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Namibia has announced the appointment of Henry Friedrich as its new General Manager.
Frank O’Donnell

Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, CCBA

Frank leads CCBA’s commercial agenda, with responsibility for accelerating revenue growth, strengthening route to market and customer partnerships and driving execution excellence across markets.

Frank brings extensive international experience from Coca‑Cola HBC, where he held a range of senior commercial and general management roles. Most recently, he served as Region Director, overseeing 13 markets across Europe, where he led high-performing teams and delivered strong business results.

He is recognised for his strong commercial acumen, customer focus and track record in building high-performing teams across diverse markets.

Gerald Lewis

Chief Information Officer, CCBA

Gerald leads CCBA’s digital, data and technology agenda, focusing on enabling business performance through scalable platforms and enhanced digital capabilities.  Gerald brings extensive international experience, most recently as Head of Technology Strategy & Operations at Coca‑Cola HBC. He has also held senior CIO roles at Bacardi across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, as well as transformation roles at GlaxoSmithKline and Mettler Toledo. He is recognised for translating technology strategy into business value and for leading transformation across emerging markets.

Matthew Welz

General Counsel and Company Secretary, CCBA

Matthew joined us from the Clicks Group, a JSE Top-40 company, where he has been the Head of Legal and Company Secretary since 2016. In this role Matthew successfully navigated a highly regulated environment, including overseeing compliance with company laws and the JSE Listings Requirements. As company secretary, he managed governance at Board level as well as being the Chairman’s chief of staff. Prior to this, Matthew was a Legal Manager with Anglo American, a major multinational diversified mining group, which includes three companies listed on the JSE, with extensive operations across Southern Africa.

CCBA Zambia Hero

Zambia

Coca-Cola Beverages Zambia (CCBZ) became a subsidiary of CCBA in 2018.
CCBA Uganda Hero

Uganda

CCBA’s Ugandan subsidiary, Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda Limited (CCBU), has a 24-year track record in Uganda.
CCBA Tanzania Hero

Tanzania

Coca-Cola Kwanza is a subsidiary of CCBA covering 54% of Tanzania’s geography and employing over 500 people.
CCBA Namibia Hero

Namibia

The Coca-Cola system in Namibia, has a 70-year track record providing Coca-Cola brands tailored for consumer preferences.
CCBA Mozambique Hero

Mozambique

With more than 30 years serving the country, Coca-Cola Sabco Mozambique (CCSM) is a subsidiary of CCBA.
CCBA Comoros Mayotte Hero

Mayotte

The islands represent CCBA’s presence in Comoros and Mayotte.

Malawi

In 2022, CCBA acquired the soft drinks division of the Castel (Southern Bottlers Limited) in Malawi through a new entity called Coca-Cola Beverages Limited (CCBL).
CCBA Where We Operate Hero

Kenya

In one of East Africa’s largest-ever private equity investments, CCBA acquired 100% shareholding in Nairobi Bottlers Limited (NBL) in October 2019.
CCBA Ethiopia Employee

Ethiopia

East Africa Bottling Share Company (EABSC), a subsidiary of CCBA, is the largest bottler of Coca-Cola products in Ethiopia, having served the country for more than 60 years.
CCBA Eswatini Hero

Eswatini

In August 2019, CCBA subsidiary, Eswatini Coca-Cola Beverages, commenced operations with a refreshed marketing and sales plan, based on Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s success.
CCBA Comoros Mayotte Hero

Comoros

The islands represent CCBA’s presence in Comoros and Mayotte.
CCBA South Africa Where We Operate

South Africa

CCBA’s proudly South African subsidiary, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), has 11 manufacturing plants across 6 provinces.
CCBA Botswana Hero

Botswana

Based in the capital, Gaborone, CCBA’s Botswana subsidiary, which trades as Coca-Cola Beverages Botswana (CCBB), offers improved service and accelerated innovation for both the formal and informal markets.