COCA-COLA SYSTEM INVESTS USD 1.94 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN WATER SECURITY IN TANZANIA

Coca-Cola officials pose for a group photo recently in Morogoro. The Coca-Cola system in Tanzania is investing USD 1.94 million to help restore the Ruvu Basin—an initiative focused on improving water replenishment through nature-based solutions, restoring catchment areas, and supporting more sustainable water management in the Ngerengere catchment of the Ruvu sub-basin. It also aims to strengthen watershed management capacity, restore degraded catchment areas, and promote water stewardship.

Morogoro, Tanzania – 26 March 2026 — The Coca-Cola system in Tanzania has announced a USD 1.94 million investment aimed at restoring the Ruvu Basin, a critical water source that supports Dar es Salaam—the country’s commercial capital—and millions of people, businesses, and agricultural activities across eastern Tanzania.

Protecting a Vital Water Lifeline

The Ruvu Basin plays a central role in supplying water to an estimated 9 million residents in Dar es Salaam, as well as sustaining surrounding communities and ecosystems. Recognizing increasing pressure on water resources, the Coca-Cola system’s investment is designed to strengthen long-term water security through sustainable and community-driven solutions.

The initiative will focus on the Ngerengere catchment within the Ruvu sub-basin, with key interventions including:

• Restoration of degraded catchment areas
• Implementation of nature-based water replenishment solutions
• Promotion of sustainable water management practices
• Strengthening local watershed management capacity

Driving Community Impact Through Partnerships

The project is led by the Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in collaboration with the Wami-Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB).

On-the-ground activities will include tree planting and the promotion of climate-resilient farming practices, directly benefiting at least 2,000 farmers in the region. These efforts aim not only to restore ecosystems but also to enhance livelihoods and build resilience against climate-related water challenges.

Part of a Broader Africa Water Strategy

This investment forms part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, launched in 2024. The broader program represents a nearly USD 25 million commitment to addressing water security challenges across 20 African countries by 2030.

Speaking on the initiative, Alfred Olajide, Vice President for Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola, emphasized the urgency of action:

“The world is experiencing increased water insecurity, with demand for safe, usable water exceeding supply in many areas. The Coca-Cola system remains committed to promoting water stewardship, improving water use efficiency, and returning safe water to communities.”

Local Commitment to Sustainable Water Use

David Chait, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Kwanza, highlighted the company’s responsibility at the local level:

“As part of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, we have a responsibility to support communities facing water scarcity and protect water resources in the areas where we operate. This initiative is designed to enhance watershed health and improve access to water and sanitation services.”

Meanwhile, Charles Oluchina, Country Representative for IUCN Tanzania, underscored the collaborative nature of the effort:

“We are proud to implement this project alongside WRBWB. Our focus is on restoring the Ruvu sub-basin through nature-based solutions while improving water security and livelihoods for local communities.”

Collaboration for Long-Term Impact

The Coca-Cola system continues to emphasize partnerships as a cornerstone of its sustainability strategy. By working with governments, civil society, and private sector stakeholders, the initiative seeks to deliver scalable, long-term solutions to water challenges.

As water scarcity risks intensify globally and regionally, investments such as this highlight the growing role of corporate-led sustainability initiatives in safeguarding critical natural resources—while supporting economic and community resilience in Tanzania.

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