JOHANNESBURG – A cohort of more than 60 young people from nine African countries have been enlisted for an 18-month accelerated leadership and enterprising business training initiative. Candidates are from Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Giant beverage company Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) announced this first cohort will be welcomed in March 2026 to begin a life-changing journey through its Ascend Leaders in Training Programme. It is designed to unleash talent and develop the continent’s next generation of business leaders. Running from March 2026 to August 2027, the project offers young talent a structured pathway into business leadership roles. Candidates were selected from diverse academic backgrounds: business, engineering, supply chain, marketing and finance.
Natasa Prodanovic, the company’s Chief People and Culture Officer, said the benefits were far-reaching for candidates.
“The participants will gain hands-on experience across key business functions such as Supply Chain, Commercial, Finance, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability (PACS), and People and Culture. While working in their home markets, they will also be part of a broader pan-African learning community. The CCBA’s Ascend programme is designed to give emerging leaders the opportunity to learn fast, lead early, and make a meaningful impact,” she said.
According to Prodanovic, the project offers comprehensive benefits. “We don’t simply offer them a job – we offer them a platform to grow, take ownership, and shape the future of the largest bottler of Coca-Cola products in Africa. This cohort reflects the talent, diversity and ambition that will define the next chapter of our organisation. The initiative reflects CCBA’s commitment to unparalleled professional growth, providing an exciting journey of learning and development within a passionate, caring team,” said Prodanovic.
She explained that the Ascend programme provides rotational assignments, mentorship from experienced leaders, and exposure to real business challenges. “The leaders in training will work on projects that drive business growth, build professional credibility, and strengthen their readiness for leadership roles. Those who successfully complete the programme may be considered for permanent positions with greater responsibility and long-term career prospects within the CCBA group,” said Prodanovic.
“Whenever I enjoyed a Coke, I often wondered ‘Where does this come from? How is it made?’ Now I have the incredible opportunity to learn everything that goes into that small bottle of Coke,” said Lathitha Madyibi, a member of the Ascend cohort in South Africa.
“My first week of the programme has been both exciting and eye-opening. Experiencing the environment firsthand has made me appreciate the scale and coordination behind CCBA’s operations. Seeing how different teams and functions work together to keep everything running smoothly has been particularly insightful,” added Dawit Yared, from the Ethiopia cohort.
This initiative is in addition to the youth entrepreneurship program for 100 qualified entrepreneurs in the Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. The successful entrepreneurs will be responsible for independently managing a warehouse and distribution operation within designated areas of the multinational corporation.
