Africa’s economic reset requires moving from ambition to execution
The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
Melkamu Abebe appointed Managing Director of Coca-Cola in Ethiopia
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Abebe becomes the first Ethiopian to take up the MD position. He moves from the Coca-Cola operation in Uganda, where he was GM.
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa has appointed Melkamu Abebe as its new Managing Director in Ethiopia. He becomes the first Ethiopian to take up this position, which follows a highly successful term as General Manager of Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda.
Abebe brings more than 16 years of experience in the Coca-Cola system to the role, having started his career in the company’s Graduates in Training Programme in 2008.
Melkamu Abebe. Photo: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
“He then excelled in roles spanning supply chain and general management, while demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic thinking and a commitment to operational excellence,” Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) says in a statement.
As the GM of Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda, Abebe oversaw the successful integration of separate bottling entities, and has a proven track record of delivering growth, optimising logistics and driving customer satisfaction.
Ethiopian market considered to have significant potential
He returns to his native country to direct the continued growth of CCBA in Ethiopia, in a market considered to have significant potential for the company.
Abebe holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Addis Ababa University and has completed leadership programmes at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the US and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa.
“We have a people-first culture that ensures unparalleled professional development for our valued employees,” says the Chief Operating Officer at CCBA, Gavin Hudson. “Our aim is to nurture potential, attract and retain high-performing talent, and invest in growth.”
Before becoming General Manager of Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda, a position he took up in 2020, Abebe was Supply Chain Director for the Ugandan operation. Prior to that, he was Logistics Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Ethiopia.
Momentum Group appoints chief marketing and communications officer
Vongani Mageza brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and FMCG) companies such as FNB and Diageo.
AI and algorithm-led engagement among the challenges facing marketers
AI agents will influence shopping, algorithms will supersede social connections, and the clip economy will change how brands connect.
Absa bank launches pan-African campaign with athlete Eliud Kipchoge
The brand partnership includes a new TV commercial featuring Kipchoge, digital storytelling, wellness initiatives and community programmes.
How traditional trade is being reimagined, but remains ‘traditional’
Modern retail in Africa is still dwarfed by the traditional trade. Marketers who dismiss this relationship-heavy retail model do so at their peril.
How luxury brands become a source of meaningfulness for employees
Research finds brands don’t just sell products. They can also provide employees with stories through which they feel their work is meaningful
Redefining honesty in a crisis: Why truth alone is not enough
Honesty must be demonstrated through transparency, accountability and action – shaping both reputation and future trust following a crisis.
Lesotho bank’s culturally intelligent campaign beats bigger rivals
In the funeral plan category, where most advertisements look like an obituary, Standard Lesotho Bank opted to ‘sell the cow’, not the policy.
AMC magazine brings latest news and insights for Africa’s marketers
Strategic Marketing for Africa, the publication for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is not to be missed.
Global study of marketers and agencies is coming to Kenya for first time
CEO of Scopen says the expansion into East Africa is a natural progression following the success of the research in South Africa.
Huge African and Caribbean trade potential can be unlocked, study finds
Report says around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped.