Coca-Cola Invests $1.94 Million to Restore Tanzania’s Ruvu Basin and Improve Water Security
The Coca-Cola system in Tanzania is investing USD 1.94 million to support the restoration of the Ruvu Basin, a critical water source that serves Dar es Salaam—Tanzania’s commercial capital of nearly 9 million people—and supports communities, farms, and businesses across eastern Tanzania.
The initiative focuses on improving water replenishment through nature-based solutions, restoring key catchment areas, and promoting more sustainable water management in the Ngerengere catchment of the Ruvu sub-basin. It will also strengthen watershed management capacity, rehabilitate degraded land, and encourage responsible water stewardship.
The project is being led by the Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in partnership with the Wami-Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB). Activities will include tree planting, catchment restoration, and the adoption of more climate-resilient farming practices, with at least 2,000 farmers expected to benefit directly.
The investment forms part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, launched in 2024. The broader programme represents a nearly USD 25 million commitment aimed at addressing water-related challenges in local communities across 20 African countries by 2030.
Alfred Olajide, Vice President, Franchise Operations for East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola, said growing global water insecurity makes initiatives like this increasingly important. He emphasized the company’s continued focus on water stewardship, improving water-use efficiency, and returning safe water to communities.
David Chait, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Kwanza, added that the company has a responsibility to support communities affected by water scarcity and protect the water resources in areas where it operates, particularly in regions facing the greatest challenges.
Charles Oluchina, Country Representative for IUCN Tanzania, said the initiative aims to strengthen water security and improve livelihoods through nature-based solutions and catchment restoration in the Ruvu sub-basin.
The project also highlights the importance of partnerships, with Coca-Cola and its authorised bottlers working alongside governments, businesses, and civil-society organisations to support sustainable water management and build long-term resilience.
