William Asiko (Coca-Cola Africa Foundation President) and Sylvestor John (Senior Vice President, SIFE International) toast

Nairobi, February 22, 2010   … Over 4,000 college students in nine African countries have benefited from a strategic partnership between Coca-Cola East and Central Africa and Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). Speaking while on a visit to Kenya, SIFE International Senior Vice President, Mr. Sylvester John, said that through the partnership which is enabled by the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation, the students have been able to engage themselves in over 1,200 community outreach programmes. “Coca-Cola is a major partner of SIFE within Africa, with whom we have been able to undertake various student activities in several countries including, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Kenya. The outreach programmes give the students an opportunity to empower others while they improve on their entrepreneurial and business skills.” 

A scene during the dinner

Speaking at a dinner Coca-Cola hosted in honor of the visiting SIFE International Vice Presidents and other high ranking SIFE delegation from a number of SIFE offices across the world, Coca-Cola Africa Foundation President, Mr. William Asiko, pointed out that the partnership is a continuation of the beverage maker’s commitment to developing sustainable communities through entrepreneurship.  

“In East Africa, small scale entrepreneurs who set up Coca-Cola kiosks and distribution centers have all positively contributed to the success of the company. By partnering with SIFE, we seek the early creation of entrepreneurs and business leaders as we tap into new innovative ideas from students,” he said. 

A scene during the dinner

The Coca-Cola Foundation recently gave a boost of Kshs. 1.8 million to SIFE Kenya, to enable them, underwrite the costs of profiling and publicity of entrepreneurial ideas and projects generated by SIFE Kenya members who are mainly university students.  

SIFE Kenya Country Director, Mr. James Shikwati thanked Coca-Cola for the support and commitment towards entrepreneurship, youth and community development in Africa. “This support from Coca-Cola will help us reach out to more young people in the universities and colleges. It is also timely, as it will assist us prepare ourselves for the SIFE World Cup to take place in Los Angeles, USA later this year.”  

SIFE looks to individual philanthropists, corporate, NGOs and development organization to come together to support various development agenda by working with student groups to build a veritable business sector through its key focus areas namely; business ethics, financial literacy, sustainability, market economics, environmental sustainability, and personal success skills.   

About The Coca-Cola Company 

The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees.  

Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our Web site at http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/ 

About Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) 

SIFE brings together a diverse network of university students, academic professionals and industry leaders around the shared mission of creating a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business. By contributing their talents to projects that improve the lives of people worldwide, SIFE participants are demonstrating that individuals with a knowledge and passion for business can be a powerful force for change. 

Contacts for Kenyan Media: 

Bob Okello

Public Affairs and Government Relations Manager                    

Coca-Cola East & Central Africa        

Tel: 020 3253 459 / 000                                              

bokello@afr.ko.com