#None #Nairobi #beverage industry #ICBA Africa #Iddah Asin

The Launch of ICBA Africa

In a significant move for the non-alcoholic beverage sector, the International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) has officially announced the establishment of ICBA Africa. This initiative highlights the promising market dynamics of Africa and underscores the industry's ongoing commitment to enhancing collaboration across various stakeholders. The appointment of Iddah Asin as the Executive Director marks a new chapter for this emerging sector.

ICBA Africa is poised to expand ICBA's influence on the continent, similar to its counterparts in Latin America and Asia Pacific. This new branch aims to address pressing issues associated with health and environmental sustainability, advocating for best practices and supporting evidence-based policymaking. The brilliance of this initiative lies in its collaborative approach, focusing on partnerships with governments, civil society, and key industry players.

Leadership and Expertise

Iddah Asin's extensive background equips her perfectly for this role. Having served as the Head of Government Affairs and Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa at Johnson & Johnson and in a similar capacity for Kenya Airways, Ms. Asin brings invaluable experience to ICBA Africa. Her legal acumen as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, combined with her education in law and public policy, underscores her capability to drive ICBA Africa towards achieving its goals. Furthermore, her recognition as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in 2024 and the Top 40 under 40 Women by the Nation Media Group in 2017 speaks volumes about her influence and commitment to positive change.

Based in Nairobi, Ms. Asin is expected to collaborate closely with various leaders across the ICBA network, including Mpho Thothela, the Vice President of ICBA and CEO of the Beverage Association of South Africa. Together, they hope to maximize the potential of Africa’s unique priorities to generate substantial benefits for the sector.

A Vision for Collaboration and Growth

In her inaugural remarks, Ms. Asin expressed her enthusiasm for assuming this critical role. She stated, “I'm truly honored to become the first Executive Director of ICBA Africa and to help the sector contribute to positive outcomes on the continent and around the world, building from Africa's unique priorities and maximizing our collective potential.”

This reflects a broader vision embraced by ICBA President Andrés Massieu, who sees the initiation of ICBA Africa as a pivotal milestone that brings leading beverage companies together under a unified leadership. He is confident that Ms. Asin's experience in public-private collaboration can serve as a catalyst for positive change across the region.

The significance of ICBA Africa cannot be understated. By aligning beverage companies' operations and policies with social and environmental agendas, it aims to generate a more unified approach to critical industry challenges while also pushing for legislative development that benefits all stakeholders involved.

Emphasizing Engagement and Progress

Additionally, Kate Loatman, the Executive Director of ICBA, welcomed Ms. Asin into this pivotal role, emphasizing the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in scaling the organization's impact as a platform for engagement, partnerships, and sustainable progress.

The formation of ICBA Africa is not just a strategic business maneuver; it is a strong commitment to placing Africa at the forefront of the conversation surrounding sustainable practices and effective policy development in the non-alcoholic beverage arena. As companies grapple with growing demands for health-conscious products and eco-friendly initiatives, ICBA Africa aims to be a leader in this space.

In conclusion, the establishment of ICBA Africa represents a proactive approach to harnessing the potential of the African beverage market. By bringing together industry leaders and fostering a culture of collaboration, ICBA Africa is set to emerge as a key player in defining the future of non-alcoholic beverages in Africa and beyond.