Airline body urges African governments to act on opening market access
‘Strategies don’t move people. Now it is time to make the difficult decisions and execute them,’ senior executive stresses.
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.
Uganda Tourism Board partners with major European ice hockey league
UTB says its ambition is to turn the visibility into interest, bookings and more visitors choosing to explore Uganda.
Researchers explain why 10-second micro ads outperform longer spots
Short ads shown on TV increased website visits within five minutes of airing by 10-40% compared with longer advertisements.
Competition continues to grow in the Moroccan supermarket sector
Supeco’s rapid expansion shows how the discount model is becoming a bigger part of grocery retail in the North African country.
Study identifies harmful paradox behind well-meaning green efforts
Consumers reward visible eco-friendly additions such as reusable bottles, but give little credit to businesses that reduce or remove products.
President Mahama commissions expanded evaporated milk facility in Ghana
Nestlé believes Ghana will continue to play a leading role in the future of Central and West Africa.
Momentum beginning to build for 2027 ACCS gathering in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia’s marketers gather to celebrate hosting next year’s conference – but with an eye on the hard work ahead.
PwC report examines the future of African entertainment and media
Tech is creating more ways for audiences to connect, but lasting value will come from understanding the people behind those connections.
Unilever investment expands its Vaseline production capacity in Africa
The new production line at the historic Maydon Wharf facility in Durban will address growing international demand.
World MICE Awards in Jamaica honour best African and global achievers
Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and South Africa all feature in the African meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions awards.
AI won’t replace market research. But it will expose weak strategy
Much of the broader conversation around AI in market research assumes conditions that do not consistently exist across many African markets, writes Soyinka Witness.