Coca-Cola Invests $1.94 Million in Tanzania’s Ruvu Basin Water Restoration Initiative

Comprehensive watershed project targets water security for 9 million Dar es Salaam residents through nature-based solutions

The Coca-Cola system in Tanzania is implementing a $1.94 million investment to restore the Ruvu Basin, a critical water source serving Dar es Salaam and surrounding eastern Tanzania communities. The initiative addresses water security challenges for approximately 9 million people in the country’s commercial capital while supporting sustainable water management across the region’s vital catchment areas.

Nature-based solutions drive comprehensive watershed restoration

The project focuses on improving water replenishment through nature-based solutions, restoring catchment areas, and supporting sustainable water management in the Ngerengere catchment of the Ruvu sub-basin. Key objectives include strengthening watershed management capacity, restoring degraded catchment areas, and promoting comprehensive water stewardship practices.

Led by Global Water Challenge and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in partnership with the Wami-Ruvu Basin Water Board, the initiative aims to deliver tangible on-the-ground impact including extensive tree planting and adoption of climate-resilient livelihood practices benefiting at least 2,000 farmers.

Continental water stewardship initiative addresses critical challenges

This restoration work forms part of Coca-Cola’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, launched in 2024, representing nearly $25 million in investment to address critical water-related challenges across local communities in 20 African countries by 2030. The continental scope reflects recognition that water security challenges require sustained, coordinated responses across multiple countries and watersheds.

Alfred Olajide, Vice President of Franchise Operations for East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola, emphasized the urgent nature of global water challenges. “The world is experiencing increased water insecurity, which is evident through water scarcity, with demands for safe, usable water exceeding supply in certain areas and scarcity challenges forecast to increase in the future,” he observed.

Corporate responsibility drives water protection efforts

David Chait, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Kwanza, positioned the initiative within broader corporate responsibility frameworks. “As part of the Coca-Cola Beverages Africa group, we have a responsibility to assist those who face water scarcity and to help protect local water resources where we operate, especially in places with the biggest challenges,” he stated.

The Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative aims to protect and enhance important watershed health while improving access to water and sanitation services in local communities, demonstrating how corporate investment can address fundamental development challenges.

Implementation partnerships ensure technical expertise

Charles Oluchina, Country Representative for IUCN Tanzania, expressed pride in serving as implementing partner alongside the Wami-Ruvu Basin Water Board. “This initiative is aimed at helping to protect and restore the Ruvu sub-basin focusing on Ngerengere catchment through nature-based solutions and improving water security and livelihoods for communities,” he explained.

The partnership structure combines IUCN’s conservation expertise with local water management authority knowledge, ensuring technically sound implementation that aligns with national water resource management strategies.

Collaborative approach emphasizes multi-stakeholder engagement

Olajide emphasized that partnerships remain critical for supporting watershed restoration work, with Coca-Cola and authorized bottlers collaborating with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to design and implement strategic interventions for shared benefit.

This multi-stakeholder approach recognizes that sustainable water resource management requires coordinated efforts across public, private, and civil society sectors rather than isolated corporate initiatives.

Strategic intervention addresses growing water demands

The Ruvu Basin restoration initiative addresses increasing water demands in one of East Africa’s most important urban centers while supporting rural livelihoods dependent on watershed health. By combining catchment restoration with farmer support, the project creates integrated solutions that benefit both urban water security and rural economic development.

The focus on climate-resilient livelihood practices ensures that communities can adapt to changing environmental conditions while contributing to watershed conservation, creating sustainable foundations for long-term water security across the region.