Coca-Cola is the most popular soda brand in Africa

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Coca-Cola in Africa: History and Local Names for Soda

Coca-Cola is sold in virtually every country on the African continent

The first Coca-Cola bottling plant in Africa opened in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1928. Operated by the African Coca-Cola Bottling Company—a partnership between Coca-Cola and local investors—it marked the beginning of a long history of African bottling, distribution, and cultural influence.

The first Coca-Cola bottling plant in Africa opened in 1928 in Johannesburg.

By the 1960s, Coca-Cola had established bottling plants throughout the continent, expanding into nearly every region. Today, Coca-Cola operates in over 30 African countries and employs more than 145,000 people, producing a variety of beverages such as Coke, Fanta, Sprite, and Minute Maid.

What Africans Call Soda

While “soda” is the most common English word for carbonated drinks, many African countries use unique local names:

• Nigeria: “Mineral” or “mineral water.”
• South Africa: “Cold drink” or “cooldrink.”
• Kenya: “Soda” or “pop.”
• Ethiopia: “Soda water.”
• Ghana: “Soft drink.”
• Tanzania: “Soda” or “juice.”

Twelve of the Most Popular Soda Brands in Africa

• Coca-Cola – Original, Diet, Cherry, and Vanilla.
• Pepsi – Original, Diet, and caffeine-free.
• Fanta – Orange, Lemon, and Grapefruit.
• Sprite – Lemon-lime, Original, and Zero.
• 7Up – Lemon-lime, Diet, and caffeine-free.
• Mirinda – Orange, Lemon, and Grapefruit.
• Schweppes – Ginger ale, tonic water, and club soda.
• Oasis – Orange, Apple, and Grape.
• Lilt – Orange, Lemon, and Pineapple.
• Top – Nigerian soft drink, popular in citrus flavors.
• Five Alive – South African fruit blends like Orange and Grape.

Did You Know?

Coca-Cola’s history in Ghana began in 1936 when its first bottling plant opened in Accra under the Leventis Group. In 1995, Coca-Cola acquired majority control of the Ghana bottler, renaming it the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana (CCBCG). The brand’s evolution mirrors Africa’s modernization and entrepreneurship story.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Coca-Cola in Africa

When did Coca-Cola first arrive in Africa? ➤

Coca-Cola opened its first African bottling plant in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1928. The African Coca-Cola Bottling Company managed production in partnership with local investors.

How many African countries sell Coca-Cola? ➤

Coca-Cola operates in more than 30 African countries and employs over 145,000 people across the continent, producing Coke, Fanta, Sprite, and other beverages.

What do Africans call soda? ➤

Local names vary by region. In Nigeria, soda is “mineral,” in South Africa “cold drink” or “cooldrink,” in Ghana “soft drink,” and in Kenya and Tanzania simply “soda.”

When did Coca-Cola begin operations in Ghana? ➤

Coca-Cola’s history in Ghana began in 1936 with a bottling plant in Accra run by the Leventis Group. In 1995, the company took majority ownership and formed the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana.

What are the most popular soda brands in Africa? ➤

Some of the most popular brands are Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta, Sprite, 7Up, Mirinda, Schweppes, Oasis, Lilt, Top, and Five Alive.