The beverage landscape in East Africa is set to evolve dramatically with the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Mombasa, Kenya, by the MeTL Group. Spearheaded by Mohammed Dewji, this venture aims to introduce the popular Mo Cola alongside its distinctive line of flagship beverages, catering to a growing consumer base.
The planned facility, to be built in the coastal Kenyan city of Mombasa through Dewji’s conglomerate MeTL Group, will produce the company’s flagship beverages including Mo Cola, Mo Xtra, and Mo Malto.
Business Daily reported that MeTL plans to sell 300-millilitre bottles of Mo Cola at about 15 Kenyan shillings ($0.12), significantly below competing products that typically retail at around 40 shillings.
Dewji told reporters the project is already in the planning stage and construction could begin within the next 12 months.
“I’m setting up a plant in Uganda, and I now have land in Mombasa. I’m also looking into establishing a carbonated soft drinks plant,” Dewji said.
“Although we are still at the planning stage, we believe there is a strong possibility of starting construction within a year,” he added after attending the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
The billionaire behind Mo Cola
Known across East Africa as “Mo,” Mohammed Dewji built his fortune through businesses spanning palm oil, rope, consumer goods, and beverages.
The billionaire, who previously served as a Tanzanian lawmaker and owns football club Simba SC, transformed MeTL Group into East Africa’s largest indigenous conglomerate with operations across manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and consumer products.
According to Forbes, Dewji has a net worth of about $2.1 billion. He built the Mo Cola brand around affordability and mass-market reach, naming the beverage line after himself.
Regional expansion gathers pace
The Mombasa investment comes as MeTL Group accelerates expansion across East and Southern Africa, including plans for a manufacturing facility in Uganda and wider distribution networks in Rwanda, Zambia, and Mozambique.
MeTL’s beverage products, including Mo Cola and Mo Xtra, are already sold across markets including Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, underscoring the company’s growing regional footprint.
The investment also adds to growing interest in Mombasa among African industrialists and billionaires seeking access to East Africa’s fast-growing consumer and logistics markets.
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote recently said he was considering Mombasa as the preferred location for a proposed $15 billion-$17 billion East African oil refinery, citing the city’s deep-water port and regional market access.
Meanwhile, competition in Africa’s beverage industry is intensifying as both regional billionaires and multinational companies increasingly race to capture a fast-growing and youthful consumer population.
Global beverage giants intensify Africa push
The Coca-Cola Company has pledged to invest about $1 billion in South Africa by 2030, while Pepsi bottling giant Varun Beverages has also recently expanded operations in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Together, the investments by MeTL and multinational beverage companies reflect growing confidence in Africa’s expanding middle class, rapid urbanization, and rising demand for affordable consumer goods.
Key Takeaways
- MeTL Group is establishing a new beverage production facility in Mombasa, Kenya.
- Mo Cola will be priced significantly lower than competitors.
- Construction of the facility is expected to start within the next year.
- Mohammed Dewji aims to expand his beverage brand across East Africa.
- Growing interest in Mombasa reflects the region’s potential for consumer goods.
- Competition in Africa’s beverage industry is increasing with many players entering the market.
FAQ
What is the primary beverage being produced at the new facility?
The main beverage being produced will be Mo Cola, among other drinks from the MeTL Group.
When is construction expected to begin?
Construction is anticipated to start within the next 12 months, according to Mohammed Dewji.
What are the competitive advantages of Mo Cola?
Mo Cola is expected to be sold at a lower price than most competing beverages, enhancing its appeal in the market.
How does this expansion reflect regional trends?
This expansion aligns with the overall growth of East Africa’s consumer markets and increasing interest from industrialists.
The establishment of this facility signifies a pivotal moment for the MeTL Group and underlines the potential growth within East Africa’s beverage industry. As competition heats up, the focus on affordability and accessibility may reshape consumer preferences across the region.
