The International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA), the global voice of the non-alcoholic beverage industry, has announced the launch of ICBA Africa and appointed Iddah Asin as its first Executive Director.
The new Africa chapter underscores the continent’s growing market potential and the sector’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with governments, civil society, and key stakeholders. ICBA says the initiative will promote best practices, support evidence-based policymaking, and help achieve shared goals in areas such as health and environmental sustainability.
ICBA Africa will complement existing regional bodies in Latin America and Asia Pacific, expanding the organisation’s global network and reinforcing its role as an advocate for coherent, science-based approaches to industry challenges.
Asin brings decades of experience in public policy, health, and sustainability. She previously served as Head of Government Affairs and Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa at Johnson & Johnson, and as Manager of Government and Industry Affairs for Kenya Airways. An Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, she holds qualifications in law and public policy from Makerere University, the Kenya School of Law, and Strathmore Business School.
Recognised as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers by the Nairobi Legal Awards in 2024 and one of Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 Women by the Nation Media Group in 2017, Asin will be based in Nairobi and work closely with ICBA’s global leadership team, including Vice President Mpho Thothela, who also heads the Beverage Association of South Africa.
“I am 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,” Asin said. “By building on Africa’s unique priorities, we can maximise our collective potential.”
ICBA President Andrés Massieu hailed the launch as “a significant milestone for the sector,” praising Asin’s deep expertise in public-private collaboration, health, and sustainability.
Founded in 1995, ICBA represents national and regional beverage associations as well as leading global companies operating in over 200 countries.
It is members produce a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, including sparkling and still soft drinks, sports and energy drinks, bottled and enhanced waters, ready-to-drink teas and coffees, juices, and dairy-based beverages.