Stanbic Bank Kenya and Stanbic Bank Uganda, both part of the Standard Bank Group, have successfully closed a USD 45 million long-term funding package to support the expansion of two PepsiCo bottlers — Crown Beverages Limited (CBL) in Uganda and Seven-Up Bottling Company Kenya (SBC Kenya) in Kenya.
The transaction allocates USD 30 million to CBL and USD 15 million to SBC Kenya, reinforcing Stanbic’s commitment to regional growth through innovative, cross-border financing.
“This transaction exemplifies how our Positive Impact framework translates ambition into action,” said Paul Muganwa, Executive Director and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Stanbic Bank Uganda.
PepsiCo Anchors East African Operations in Kenya
PepsiCo has anchored its East African manufacturing operations in Kenya through SBC Kenya, its exclusive bottler. With major investments in infrastructure, distribution, and technology, Kenya is emerging as the strategic heart of PepsiCo’s operations in the $1.87 billion Eastern African market.
“Kenya is the economic engine of this region,” said John K. Otieno, Country Manager at SBC Kenya. “To truly consolidate our presence, Kenya is the natural hub.”
Financial Growth and Socioeconomic Impact
PepsiCo’s Kenyan operations have seen high triple-digit growth, nearly doubling their manufacturing footprint to meet rising demand. The company now serves a broader network of distributors and wholesalers, generating employment and boosting local economies.
“We are currently the fastest-growing fast-moving consumer goods company in Kenya,” Otieno noted.
PepsiCo now employs over 12,000 Kenyans directly, contributing significantly to tax revenues and offering competitive margins to distributors.
Looking ahead to 2030, PepsiCo aims to deepen its Kenyan base through long-term innovation and inclusive growth. In collaboration with government agencies, the company is empowering youth and women entrepreneurs across its value chain.
“Creating the next generation of entrepreneurs is one of our critical goals,” Otieno emphasized.
Technology remains central to PepsiCo’s strategy, optimising field sales and customer responsiveness.
“We use technology to ensure our operations are efficient and meet the real-time needs of our customers,” Otieno added.
Stanbic’s Role in Regional Integration
This funding milestone builds on a two-decade relationship between Stanbic Bank Uganda and CBL, and reflects Standard Bank Group’s ability to connect clients across borders.
The 2023 acquisition of SBC Kenya by CBL’s shareholders, advised and funded by Standard Bank, further demonstrates this regional synergy.
“Our ability to collaborate across our country teams underscores the power of our regional network,” said SJ Kok, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Kenya. “We designed a funding structure tailored to the complexities of a brownfield expansion.”
With operations in 20 African markets, Standard Bank Group continues to deliver tailored financial solutions that connect clients to opportunity across the continent. The funding is expected to boost manufacturing output, strengthen supply chains, and drive productivity in sectors critical to job creation and innovation.
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