Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Boosts Production Capacity in Malawi with $14.9 Million Investment
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), through its subsidiary Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Limited (CCBM), has unveiled a state-of-the-art production line in Lilongwe, following a significant investment of USD14.9 million.
The new facility is expected to enhance production capacity, improve efficiency through artificial intelligence (AI), and strengthen export potential to regional markets, including Zambia.
The cutting-edge line can produce up to 19,200 bottles per hour, accommodating various pack sizes from 300ml to 2 litres, and is capable of bottling both Coca-Cola trademark products and the iconic Malawian brand Sobo on the same line.
According to Sunil Gupta, CEO of CCBA, the move underlines the company’s commitment to local growth and economic empowerment:
“This investment in Malawi reaffirms the Coca-Cola system’s local approach – we produce locally, distribute locally, and, where possible, source locally. Our value chain supports a broad ecosystem, including many small and medium enterprises.”
One of the standout features of the new line is its AI-driven technology, which enables the system to proactively identify and resolve operational issues, thereby minimizing downtime and reducing production costs. This technological advancement not only boosts productivity but also presents an opportunity for local workers to gain new skills, fostering a future-ready workforce.
Neil French, General Manager of CCBM, emphasized the broader impact of the investment: “This investment goes beyond numbers. It’s about creating shared opportunities across the value chain and helping to build a sustainable future for Malawi.”
The expanded production capacity also paves the way for beverage exports to Zambia, positioning Malawi as a growing hub for regional beverage manufacturing.
Gupta added that the project aligns with CCBA’s strategic goals: “As a customer-centric, digitally-enabled, growth-driven business, we are committed to achieving operational excellence. This new production line is a critical step in delivering faster, more efficient service to our customers.”
