Coca-Cola's US$1.94m Investment in Tanzania's Water Security

A US$1.94m investment is being channelled into the restoration of the Ruvu Basin in Tanzania, which provides water resources to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the country's commercial capital. The Coca-Cola system in Tanzania has committed to this project, which could provide crucial support for communities, farms and businesses across eastern Tanzania.

The investment forms part of the broader Africa Water Stewardship Initiative led by the Coca-Cola system, which focuses on bringing water security to communities across the continent.

Nature-based solutions for water replenishment

The Tanzania initiative centres on improving water replenishment through nature-based solutions and the restoration of catchment areas. The project targets the Ngerengere catchment within the Ruvu sub-basin, aiming to support more sustainable water management practices in the region.

According to Coca-Cola Kwanza, the company intends to strengthen watershed management capacity, restore degraded catchment areas and promote water stewardship across the region.

David Chait, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Kwanza, says: "As part of the Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Group, we have a responsibility to assist those who face water scarcity and to help protect local water resources where we operate, especially in places with the biggest challenges.

"The Coca-Cola system's Africa Water Stewardship Initiative aims to help protect and enhance the health of important watersheds and to improve access to water and sanitation services in local communities."

Collaborative approach to implementation

The project is led by the Global Water Challenge (GWC), an organisation that mobilises clean water access and advances water security in high need regions globally. Implementation is being carried out by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), working alongside the Wami-Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB).

IUCN operates as one of the world's largest environmental networks, working to help societies conserve nature whilst ensuring natural resources are used sustainably and equitably. In Tanzania, the organisation aligns its work with national development strategies and environmental priorities to preserve and restore the natural environment.

The project is designed to deliver on-the-ground impact through tree planting and the adoption of more climate-resilient livelihood practices. These practices are predicted to benefit at least 2,000 farmers across the region.

Charles Oluchina, Country Representative, IUCN Tanzania, says: "We are proud to be the implementing partner, alongside WRBWB, for this project.

"This initiative is aimed at helping to protect and restore the Ruvu sub-basin focusing on Ngerengere catchment through nature-based solutions and improving water security and livelihoods for communities."

Addressing water insecurity across Africa

The Tanzania project represents one element of Coca-Cola's Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, which launched in 2024. The broader initiative represents an almost US$25m investment aimed at addressing critical water-related challenges in local communities across 20 African countries by 2030.

According to Coca-Cola, the initiative was launched to tackle water insecurity in Africa, where demand outstrips supply in many regions. The company is working in partnership with organisations and governments to improve access to clean water and protect local water resources, contributing to the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 6, which involves ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation.

Alfred Olajide, Vice President, Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola, says: "The world is experiencing increased water insecurity, which is evident through water scarcity, with demands for safe, usable water exceeding supply in certain areas and scarcity challenges forecast to increase in the future.

"The Coca-Cola system intends to continue focusing on promoting water stewardship, increasing water use efficiency and treating and returning safe water to communities.

"Recognising that partnerships are critical to support this work, Coca-Cola and its authorised bottlers are collaborating with governments, businesses and civil society organisations to design and implement strategic interventions for a better shared future."