Varun Beverages Limited’s (VBL) decision to invest in the construction of a new beverage plant in Kiswishi City in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) underlines the growing importance of the African market for multinationals in the beverage sector. This new project, which represents an investment of $50 million, aims to strengthen PepsiCo’s presence in the DRC and meet the growing demand for Pepsi beverages from Congolese consumers.
The construction of this plant on a 15-hectare site demonstrates Varun Beverages’ commitment to the African market and its desire to contribute to the economic and social development of the region. By setting up in the first private Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the DRC, the company is demonstrating its trust in local authorities and its commitment to sustainable production.
The announcement of this investment was welcomed by the Director of Operations of the Kiswishi City SEZ, Yannick Kitambo, who highlighted the positive impact that this new plant will have on employment and the economy of the Haut-Katanga Province. By creating thousands of jobs and contributing to the local socio-economic landscape, Varun Beverages is actively participating in the sustainable development of the region.
This initiative is part of a broader context of development of Special Economic Zones in the DRC, with other companies such as Congo Petrol and Queen Energy already present in Kiswishi City. The sale of 95% of the residential area of the first phase of Kiswishi, Kimia, is a testament to the growing attractiveness of this region for international investors.
Ultimately, Varun Beverages’ expansion in Kiswishi City represents a growth opportunity for both the company and the DRC. By strengthening its presence in the Congolese market, the company contributes to job creation, economic development and the promotion of sustainable production. This initiative demonstrates the confidence of international investors in Africa’s growth potential and their commitment to the continent’s economic development.