Coca-Cola has opened its first bottling plant in the Marodi Jeh province of Somaliland, an autonomous region of Somalia, on 22 May 2012.
Coca-Cola has opened its first bottling plant in the Marodi Jeh province of Somaliland, an autonomous region of Somalia, on 22 May 2012.
The global beverage major and its local partner Somaliland Beverage Industries have pumped $17m on the facility, which is part of a $12bn commitment for the African continent by 2020.
Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa president Nathan Kalumba said that the investment is expected to directly create 135 new jobs and generate an additional 2,500 job opportunities in supporting industries including logistics and the retail sector in the region.
Somaliland Beverage industries chairman Ahmed Osman Gueeleh said that the investment will not only bring the much needed entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, but will also build local capability through access to global practice and manufacturing standards, including ISO environmental and safety standards.
The project is based on a 100% franchising agreement between the American global brand and SPi and its local investors. The facility will produce brands such as Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite and others.
Source: Coca-Cola