DRC - Varun Beverages, part of India's RJ Corp and one of the largest franchisees of PepsiCo, has announced a US$50 million investment into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). 

The company plans to build a state-of-the-art Pepsi cola production facility in Kiswishi City, a special economic zone near Lubumbashi in the Haut-Katanga province. This investment marks one of the largest consumer-focused foreign direct investments (FDI) in DRC's history and is expected to create thousands of jobs.

The new facility, spanning 15 hectares (37 acres) along the N1 Highway, will benefit from a strategic location that provides access to the growing population of Lubumbashi and surrounding areas. The plant is expected to boost logistical efficiencies and contribute to the region's economic development.

Long-term growth in Africa

Varun Beverages has been a key player in PepsiCo’s global portfolio since the 1990s, operating across Asia and Africa. Its African presence dates back to 2007, when it acquired a PepsiCo franchise in Mozambique. Since then, it has expanded into Zambia, Zimbabwe, Morocco, and more recently, South Africa.

“Varun's expansion will meet the rising demand for Pepsi beverages in DRC and support our long-term growth trajectory in Africa. Our investment in Kiswishi exemplifies our confidence in Congolese consumers and commitment to sustainable manufacturing,” Chairperson of Varun Beverages, Ravi Kant Jaipuria, stated.

The company has already established a Pepsi production facility at Maluku Special Economic Zone near Kinshasa, adding to its growing portfolio in the region. Varun’s continued expansion reflects the increasing demand for Pepsi beverages across the African continent, particularly in the DRC.

Rendeavour partnership and economic development

The facility will be built within the Kiswishi City Special Economic Zone, a project spearheaded by Rendeavour, Africa’s largest new city builder. 

Rendeavour's Director of Operations, Yannick Kitambo, welcomed Varun Beverages’ investment, noting the project's potential to create thousands of jobs and drive regional development. 

“This investment is a testament to our commitment to make Kiswishi the most attractive destination for FDI in DRC,” he said.

Kiswishi City is backed by a consortium of international investors from the U.S., New Zealand, the U.K., and Norway. 

The city’s secure business environment has already attracted major investors, including Congo Petrol and Queen Energy. With the support of the DRC’s government, Kiswishi has emerged as a key growth engine for the country.

Kitambo also highlighted the support provided by the Special Economic Zones Authority and the Ministry of Industry, which he said have been instrumental in fostering a business-friendly environment. 

“Due to the professional support of the Government of DRC, particularly the President's office, we expect further foreign direct investment in DRC, which will help drive socioeconomic development in the country,” Kitambo added.

Varun’s expanding African footprint

Beyond its investments in the DRC, Varun Beverages continues to expand across Africa. In March, the company entered the South African market with the acquisition of The Beverage Company (BevCo), a PepsiCo bottler in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. 

BevCo, which operates five manufacturing sites in Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and Cape Town, also holds distribution rights for Namibia and Botswana.

Additionally, Varun Beverages has recently secured agreements with PepsiCo to manufacture and distribute snacks in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The company is investing approximately US$7 million in facilities in both countries, which are expected to produce around 5,000 metric tonnes of snacks annually. 

The Zimbabwean plant is set to become operational by October 2025, while Zambia’s site is scheduled for completion in April 2026.

Though Varun Beverages has not disclosed the exact timeline for when the Kiswishi plant will be operational, its ongoing projects across Africa indicate the company's intent to solidify its role as a major player in the African beverage market.