Varun Beverages, one of PepsiCo’s largest franchise partners, has announced plans to invest $50 million in a new Pepsi production facility in Kiswishi City, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The investment marks one of the most significant foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country’s consumer goods sector, creating thousands of jobs and expanding PepsiCo’s footprint in the fast-growing African market.
The new Pepsi facility will be located in Kiswishi City, the DRC’s first private Special Economic Zone (SEZ), covering 15 hectares (37 acres) along the N1 Highway. This strategic location provides easy access to Lubumbashi’s growing population and the broader Haut-Katanga Province, facilitating efficient distribution throughout the region.
Speaking about the investment, Ravi Kant Jaipuria, Chairman of Varun Beverages, said: “This expansion is set to meet the rising demand for Pepsi products in the DRC and supports our long-term growth strategy in Africa. Our decision to invest in the Kiswishi City SEZ reflects our confidence in the Congolese market and our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.”
Kiswishi City SEZ is backed by a diverse group of international investors from the US, New Zealand, the UK, and Norway. It is being developed by Rendeavour, Africa’s largest urban developer, which has built other mixed-use cities in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia. These projects have already attracted billions of dollars in both foreign and domestic investment and created tens of thousands of jobs across the continent.
Boost for Local Economy
Yannick Kitambo, Director of Operations at Kiswishi City SEZ, expressed optimism about the economic benefits the new facility will bring to the region. “We are delighted to welcome Varun Beverages and Pepsi to Kiswishi City. This significant investment will create thousands of job opportunities and strengthen the economic landscape of Haut-Katanga Province.”
He added that the presence of major players like Varun Beverages is a testament to Kiswishi’s growing appeal as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment. “With its secure and predictable business environment, Kiswishi is rapidly becoming a driving force for growth in the DRC,” Kitambo said.
Kitambo also praised the Congolese government’s role in fostering a favourable business environment through the country’s reliable SEZ framework, managed by the Special Economic Zones Authority and the Ministry of Industry. He noted that the government’s active support has been crucial in attracting high-profile investors to Kiswishi City SEZ. Other businesses currently operating in the zone include Congo Petrol and Queen Energy, while phase one of Kiswishi’s residential estate, Kimia, is 95% sold out.
Future Investment Expected
Kitambo believes that this partnership between Varun Beverages and Kiswishi City SEZ signals a broader trend of increased foreign investment in the region, driven by the DRC government’s focus on economic growth and development. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Industry and the President’s office for their support, which has been key to attracting foreign businesses.
“As Kiswishi City continues to grow, we expect even more foreign direct investment to follow, contributing to the long-term socio-economic development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” Kitambo concluded.
The Pepsi facility is expected to be operational in the coming years, further strengthening PepsiCo’s presence in Africa and meeting the growing demand for its beverages in the DRC.
