Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Boosts Malawi Operations with $14.9M AI-Powered Plant

The state-of-the-art facility, now operational in Lilongwe, marks a pivotal milestone in the company’s expansion and modernization strategy.

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Proprietary Limited (CCBA), Africa’s largest Coca-Cola bottler, has taken a bold leap forward in its commitment to Malawi’s economic growth and industrial modernization with a $14.9 million (USD) investment in a cutting-edge production line through its subsidiary, Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Limited (CCBM).

The state-of-the-art facility, now operational in Lilongwe, marks a pivotal milestone in the company’s expansion and modernization strategy. Equipped with the latest technology, including advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems, the new line is capable of producing up to 19,200 bottles per hour—supporting pack sizes from 300ml to 2 litres. It enables the simultaneous production of Coca-Cola trademark beverages, bottled water, and the beloved local brand Sobo, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.

A Technological Leap Toward Execution Excellence

The introduction of AI to the production line places CCBM at the forefront of smart manufacturing in the region. The system proactively identifies and resolves potential issues before they lead to operational stoppages, significantly reducing downtime and operational costs.

“This is more than just a machinery upgrade—it’s a transformative shift in how we operate,” said Sunil Gupta, CEO of CCBA. “AI allows us to produce at scale without compromising quality or efficiency, enabling us to serve our customers better and faster while enhancing sustainability.”

Enabling Growth Beyond Malawi’s Borders

The enhanced capacity is expected to not only meet domestic demand but also support regional exports, particularly to neighboring Zambia. This aligns with Malawi’s national export development strategy and reinforces the country’s position as a growing manufacturing hub in Southern Africa.

“This is a milestone for Malawian industry,” said Neil French, General Manager of CCBM. “The ability to produce multiple product lines on one high-speed, intelligent system is a game-changer, enabling us to better serve our consumers while exploring new markets across the border.”

Creating Shared Value Across the Supply Chain

But the impact of this investment reaches far beyond machines and margins. CCBA’s approach is rooted in the concept of creating shared value across the entire value chain—from suppliers and employees to retailers and communities.

“This investment goes beyond numbers,” French emphasized. “It’s about generating opportunities that uplift businesses and people at every stage of the process.”

Gupta echoed this, highlighting the deep local integration of the Coca-Cola system: “We produce locally, distribute locally, and, wherever possible, source locally. Our supply chain includes numerous small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who will directly benefit from this operational scale-up.”

Empowering a Future-Ready Workforce

A significant part of this transformation involves human capital development. The adoption of sophisticated technology has prompted the upskilling of CCBM employees, equipping them with modern technical competencies and preparing them for roles in a digital-first industrial environment.

“Upskilling our workforce is fundamental to our vision,” said Gupta. “We are investing not only in infrastructure, but also in people—building a future-ready workforce that will power Malawi’s economic progress in the years to come.”

A Vote of Confidence in Malawi’s Future

The $14.9 million investment comes at a time when global companies are increasingly looking to Africa for growth opportunities. For CCBA, this move is both a strategic business decision and a declaration of long-term commitment to Malawi.

“This is a clear demonstration of our belief in the future of Malawi,” Gupta affirmed. “Our goal is to be a customer-centric, digitally-enabled, growth-driven business. This new production line is another critical step in our journey toward operational excellence and sustainable development.”

As CCBA continues to expand its footprint across Africa, its investment in Malawi serves as a powerful example of how private sector innovation and commitment can contribute to national development, economic resilience, and industrial modernization.

For more information, visit www.CCBAGroup.com.