Coca-Cola Invests $14.9 Million in AI-Powered Production Line in Malawi
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has announced a $14.9 million investment to launch a new production line at its Lilongwe plant in Malawi, integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to boost efficiency and output. The move underscores the brand’s commitment to innovation and regional economic growth, while reinforcing its leadership position in sub-Saharan Africa’s beverages sector.
The new line increases production capacity from 28,000 to 40,000 bottles per hour, significantly enhancing CCBA’s ability to meet growing consumer demand across Malawi. Equipped with high-speed bottling machines and smart technology, the facility uses AI to monitor output, ensure product consistency, and reduce waste—offering a tangible ROI through operational optimisation.
Key to the project is Coca-Cola’s focus on workforce development. The upgraded facility will create 70 direct jobs and support numerous indirect employment opportunities across supply chain, logistics, and retail. According to CCBA, staff will receive targeted training to operate and maintain the new AI-driven systems, promoting skills transfer and capacity building in the local manufacturing workforce.
Malawi’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, hailed the investment as a pillar of industrial transformation. “This development aligns with our strategic ambitions to modernise the manufacturing sector and position Malawi as a competitive player in the regional market,” he said during the inauguration ceremony.
This investment comes amid increasing pressure on FMCG companies to balance growth with technological innovation and sustainable economic impact. By modernising operations in Malawi, Coca-Cola not only strengthens its supply chain resilience across East and Southern Africa, but also signals a shift toward tech-enabled manufacturing that could shape future beverage bottling infrastructure throughout emerging markets.
The plant’s AI capabilities also support Coca-Cola’s sustainability agenda, contributing to energy and water efficiency and enabling more precise resource management. As consumer demand grows and supply dynamics evolve, such investments are expected to play a critical role in maintaining competitiveness and market responsiveness across Africa’s FMCG landscape.