Melkamu Abebe, the outgoing General Manager of Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU), has concluded his tenure on an extraordinarily high note, guiding the company to victory at the prestigious Group Africa CEO Award. Under his leadership, CCBU stood out among Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) operations, triumphing over strong competition from Botswana, Ghana, and South Africa.
The award, which recognises markets that demonstrate excellence across financial strength, leadership, customer execution, and operational efficiency, was presented at a special ceremony celebrating top-performing business units within Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA).
Sunil Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of CCBA, commended Uganda’s achievement, stating: “This award is not just about excelling in one area; it represents the very best of our business. It is a testament to outstanding performance across every critical metric that drives our success. Uganda has demonstrated a relentless commitment to sustainable growth and continuous improvement, setting a new benchmark for our operations. Well done, Team Uganda—you not only met expectations but exceeded them.”
A Legacy of Excellence in Uganda
During his tenure as General Manager, Abebe successfully spearheaded the integration of separate bottling entities, optimised operational efficiencies, and reinforced a high-performance culture at CCBU. His leadership played a pivotal role in positioning Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda as a market leader, with a clear focus on customer satisfaction, logistics excellence, and sustainable growth.
This latest accolade adds to a series of remarkable achievements under his leadership, including CCBU being recognised as a Top Employer in Uganda for 2025 by the Top Employers Institute. The recognition underscores the company’s dedication to excellence in HR practices and employee development.
Additionally, in August 2024, Abebe was named among Uganda’s 100 Leading & Most Admired CEOs by CEO East Africa Magazine, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier business leader.
A Historic Appointment in Ethiopia: Breaking New Ground
Following his resounding success in Uganda, Abebe is set to embark on a new challenge as the first Ethiopian Managing Director of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Ethiopia. This milestone appointment marks a historic moment for Coca-Cola’s Ethiopian operations, as he becomes the first homegrown leader to take the helm of the business.
With over 16 years of experience within the Coca-Cola system, Abebe’s journey from a Graduate-In-Training in 2008 to assuming top leadership roles within the multinational organization is a testament to his unwavering dedication, leadership acumen, and strategic expertise. His extensive background in supply chain management, operational efficiency, and business expansion positions him well to drive CCBA’s growth in Ethiopia—a market with immense potential.
Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, presents significant opportunities for the Coca-Cola system, and Abebe is tasked with leading the company’s expansion efforts in the country. His deep understanding of local market dynamics, combined with his proven ability to drive operational excellence, will be instrumental in enhancing Coca-Cola’s presence, increasing market share, and fostering economic development through job creation and investment.
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In a statement on Abebe’s appointment, CCBA’s Chief Operating Officer, Gavin Hudson, highlighted the company’s commitment to nurturing and developing African talent:
“We have a people-first culture that ensures unparalleled professional development for our valued employees. Our aim is to nurture potential, attract and retain high-performing talent, and invest in growth. CCBA’s continued market success and status as the largest bottler of beloved Coca-Cola brands on the continent are key differentiators. We empower individuals to thrive, and our certification as a Top Employer in Ethiopia and Uganda, as well as in Africa at the regional level, reflects our dedication to being an employer of choice for professionals with a desire to learn and grow.”
As he takes on this new challenge, Abebe will be responsible for driving CCBA Ethiopia’s growth strategy, enhancing operational efficiencies, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring that Coca-Cola’s Ethiopian operations remain at the forefront of the country’s beverage industry.
His appointment is not only a significant milestone for Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Ethiopia but also a powerful demonstration of CCBA’s commitment to developing local leadership talent and fostering growth from within.
A Leader Poised for Continued Success
As Abebe transitions from Uganda to Ethiopia, his legacy of visionary leadership, operational excellence, and commitment to success will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. His proven ability to drive results, develop talent, and create value will continue to shape CCBA’s future in Ethiopia and beyond.
With Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda now a benchmark for success under his leadership and Ethiopia’s market poised for expansion, Abebe’s next chapter promises to be just as impactful as his previous ones.
His journey exemplifies that with determination, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, success is indeed a decision.
