Ajibola Akindele, country president at Schneider Electric. (Image source: Schneider Electric)

Schneider Electric is helping Nigerian CPG manufacturers embrace electrification, digitalisation, and circularity to boost profitability and drive long-term sustainability

In Nigeria’s dynamic Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, manufacturers are grappling with a challenging balance. Faced with inflation, currency instability, and investor demands for rapid returns, many companies are prioritising short-term profits over long-term viability. This approach has fuelled the misconception that financial success and environmental sustainability are incompatible. However, Nigerian manufacturers have the opportunity and responsibility to pursue both.

Highlighting emerging strategies that enable sustainable and profitable growth, Ajibola Akindele, country president, Schneider Electric, stated, “Three transformative trends are emerging as key enablers of this dual pursuit: electrification, digital transformation, and circularity. These trends are helping businesses not only withstand current market pressures but also position themselves for long-term growth and resilience.”

Electrification plays a vital role in this transition. Nigeria’s CPG sector, especially the food and beverage segment, depends heavily on energy-intensive operations such as boiling, frying, and baking. Replacing diesel-powered systems with electric alternatives offers significant improvements in efficiency and environmental impact. “But this shift requires a careful evaluation of infrastructure through electrical audits, as well as investment in solutions that ensure energy reliability like microgrids, solar hybrid systems, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). These technologies are helping manufacturers cut costs, improve uptime, and reduce carbon emissions,” he said.

As part of fostering regional collaboration, Schneider Electric recently hosted a CPG-focused partner event in Ghana. The event highlighted cutting-edge technologies designed specifically for the industry and gathered key stakeholders from across West Africa. This initiative underscores Schneider Electric’s dedication to equipping regional manufacturers with the tools and insights needed to navigate today’s energy and operational demands.

Digital transformation works hand-in-hand with electrification by injecting intelligence and adaptability into business operations. Through the use of smart sensors, cloud platforms, and AI-powered analytics, Nigerian manufacturers can now access real-time insights across their supply chains—from production to warehousing and distribution. Still, technology alone isn’t enough. Companies that commit to refining processes and upskilling their workforce are realising the full benefits of digitalisation, including improved product quality, reduced downtime, and greater efficiency. Predictive maintenance and digital twin solutions are already delivering tangible results in key manufacturing centres like Lagos, Aba, and Kano.

The third critical element, circularity, is reshaping how Nigerian CPG manufacturers approach resource use and waste management. Increasingly, companies are incorporating practices such as ingredient optimisation, the use of sustainable, locally-sourced packaging like cassava starch, and the repurposing of off-spec products. Regulatory frameworks from NESREA and LAWMA are also driving take-back and recycling programmes. Consumer research shows that a growing number of urban consumers strongly prefer brands that demonstrate clear sustainability practices.

“Nigeria’s CPG sector is at a turning point. Electrification, digitalisation, and circularity are no longer buzzwords, they are competitive imperatives. Manufacturers that embrace this integrated approach will not only strengthen profitability but also future-proof their businesses in a values-driven market,” commented Ajibola.

Schneider Electric continues to play an instrumental role in this transformation. From enabling smart factory capabilities in Agbara to pioneering circular practices in Ota, the company is empowering Nigerian CPG manufacturers to transform their sustainability goals into measurable results, laying the groundwork for a greener, more profitable future.

Coca-Cola invests in Midrand production

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has invested R365mn (US$20mn) in a new state-of-the-art bottling line at its Midrand plant in South Africa

The high-speed production line is capable of producing 72,000 bottles per hour and marks a South African first, producing Bonaqua Pump Still 750ml and Powerade 500ml packs with a sports bottle cap.

It marks the next step in the global drinks corporation’s ambitions for Africa, where it has pledged to massively hike investment in the coming years.

“By launching this new line, we strengthen our ability to meet growing consumer demand and create shared value across the local value chain, including for our customers and communities,” said Moses Lubisi, manufacturing and technical director at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), a company in the CCBA group.

He said the new production line represents a key step in the group’s growth plans across all its African markets in the years ahead, including deepening its commitment to bolster local production and distribution efforts.

“Importantly, this investment reaffirms the Coca-Cola system’s local approach – we produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally.”

The group is expanding its footprint in other key markets as well.

Last year, Nigeria’s presidency disclosed that the US-based corporation planned to invest US$1bn in the West African state over five years following meetings between President Bola Tinubu and senior executives of the soft drinks company.

In April, CCBA invested US$15mn in a new state-of-the art production line in Lilongwe through its subsidiary Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Limited (CCBM).

In South Africa, the new production line will also produce Bonaqua Still in 330ml and 500ml packs, further driving the company’s efforts to expand its hydration category.

It will additionally produce the recently launched Powerade Springboks Edition.

To support environmental goals, the new production line features technology to optimise water and energy use.

“At CCBA, our passion for refreshing the continent drives everything we do,” said Sunil Gupta, chief executive officer at CCBA.

“This new production line in South Africa represents a key step in our ambitious growth plans in all our markets on the continent. It enhances our ability to meet consumer needs while reinforcing our commitment to delivering reliability and top-quality beverages across Africa.”

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Jumia opens 27,000 sq m smart warehouse to boost Egypt e-commerce logistics

Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, has taken a significant step in reinforcing its presence in Egypt with the inauguration of a new integrated warehouse on Suez Road, Cairo

This development marks one of Jumia’s largest investments in the country and demonstrates its continued confidence in Egypt’s strategic role in Africa’s economic and logistical landscape.

Spanning over 27,000 sq m, the new facility is designed to optimise Jumia’s logistics capabilities by improving storage efficiency and speeding up deliveries, particularly to Upper Egypt. The warehouse is equipped with advanced smart systems that enhance order processing and customer satisfaction. As a key component of Jumia’s logistics infrastructure, the centre supports the company’s future expansion and aims to better serve merchants and consumers across the country.

This investment aligns with Jumia’s mission to boost Egypt’s digital economy and enhance its service offerings. It will also provide tailored logistics solutions for local manufacturers and merchants, reinforcing the platform’s support for domestic production.

The warehouse is projected to generate up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs over the coming years, solidifying Jumia’s contribution to national economic development and youth empowerment.

Prime minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly commended the initiative, remarked, "We welcome this move by Jumia, which reflects the trust that major global companies have in Egypt’s investment climate. We look forward to more partnerships that support the state's goals in digital transformation, the development of logistics infrastructure, and the provision of job opportunities for Egyptian youth."

Abdel Latif Olama, CEO of Jumia Egypt, expressed his appreciation for the government’s support, stated, "We are proud of this achievement, which reflects Jumia’s long-term investment commitment in Egypt. We view Egypt as a strategic hub for our operations in the region. This warehouse represents a qualitative leap in the level of services we provide to our customers and partners, and it supports our vision of becoming an integrated platform that combines technology and logistics across the continent. It will also contribute to our growth in the Egyptian market."

Egypt also plays a critical role in Jumia’s tech ecosystem, hosting one of its largest technology hubs on the continent. This centre is home to a skilled team of engineers and developers who are building digital tools and logistics solutions to support operations across Africa.

During the inauguration, Olama delivered a presentation detailing Jumia’s impact in both Egypt and broader African markets. He also outlined plans for future expansion, reaffirming Egypt’s strategic importance to the company.

The launch of this facility is part of Jumia’s wider expansion strategy aimed at strengthening its infrastructure across Africa. Similar logistics centre s have already been established in Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Morocco, reinforcing the company’s role in advancing digital commerce and economic development across the continent.

Groundbreaking begins at Kiswishi City SEZ. (Image credit: Rendeavour)

Initial site work has begun on the construction of a new US$50mn Pepsi bottling plant and a Congo Petrol fuel depot at Kiswishi City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Lubumbashi

It represents the first private SEZ in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is being developed by Rendeavour, which describes itself as ‘Africa’s new city builder’.

The SEZ project is being supported by American, British, New Zealand and Norwegian investors.

US, British and Congolese government officials took part in a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction work, alongside executives from PepsiCo (Varun Beverages), Congo Petrol, and Rendeavour.

Preston Mendenhall, group chief operating officer of Rendeavour, said the company’s investment in Kiswishi City SEZ represents “something profound” for the DRC.

“Rather than extracting resources from the landscape, we are literally adding to it, in the form of high-quality infrastructure – power, water, roads, and internet. We are building a mixed-use, mixed-income, inclusive, and environmentally friendly entirely new city for Congolese.”

It is hoped the investments at Kiswishi City SEZ will eventually create thousands of jobs and expand the PepsiCo brand in the DRC’s fast-growing Haut-Katanga Province.

Developed by India's Varun Beverages, Pepsi's largest bottler outside the USA, the facility sits on 15 hectares (37 acres) of land at Kiswishi City SEZ.

Congo Petrol, a distributor and licensee of Kenya's Dalbit Petroleum, will develop a state-of-the-art 8,000 cubic metre petroleum products storage and warehousing facility sitting on seven hectares (17 acres), enhancing its capacity to efficiently serve the growing demand in the region.

Other businesses at Kiswishi City SEZ also include Queen Energy, Zindua Investment, SDG Afrique, Congo Mineral Services and Congolese Analytical Laboratory.

Phase one of Kiswishi's residential estate, Kimia, is 98% sold out.

“Rendeavour and Kiswishi City SEZ — with their American, British, New Zealand and Norwegian shareholders — add tremendous value to our economy by investing in critical infrastructure and well-organised new cities,” said Jean-Marie Kanda, senior advisor to the president of DRC.

“Rendeavour deserves appreciation for the confidence and momentum it has given to the Congolese industrial sector.”

Rendeavour also boasts similar mixed-use cities in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Zambia that have catalysed billions of dollars in foreign and domestic investment, creating thousands of jobs for young Africans.

“Thank you to the investors who believe in the long term,” said Lucy Tamlyn, US Ambassador to the DRC. “Kiswishi City SEZ is very much a long-term investment that requires a lot of faith, confidence, and support.”

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