Kampala, Uganda — Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has announced the opening of applications for its Ascend – Leaders in Training Programme, a high-impact internship and graduate development opportunity designed to groom the next generation of leaders within one of the continent’s largest beverage companies. The application window closes on December 5, 2025.
The programme targets recent graduates seeking meaningful leadership exposure in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. CCBA, the eighth-largest Coca-Cola bottler globally by revenue and the biggest in Africa, services more than 800,000 customers across 14 markets, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Namibia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
According to the company, the Ascend Programme offers a career-defining runway for young leaders ready to learn, innovate, and contribute to CCBA’s operations across Africa.
A Launchpad for Future Leaders
Successful candidates will participate in structured learning and rotational assignments across departments such as Operations, Commercial, and Support Services. The programme is designed around experiential learning, leadership capability building, and real-time business problem-solving.
CCBA says participants will:
- Gain exposure to multiple business functions
- Work on projects that deliver real business value
- Receive coaching and mentorship from senior leaders
- Build leadership and collaboration skills in a fast-paced environment
- Learn what it means to lead with courage, curiosity, and integrity
“This programme is a launchpad — a unique opportunity for graduates eager to grow, lead, and make a significant impact,” CCBA said.
What Trainees Will Do
The Ascend trainees will:
- Engage in structured development programmes
- Join rotational assignments across key operational areas
- Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to business challenges
- Collaborate with teams to deliver project outcomes
- Take initiative, demonstrate ownership, and show leadership potential
- Seek continuous learning, feedback, and stretch opportunities
Who CCBA Is Looking For
The ideal candidate, according to CCBA, is one who is:
- Driven to make an impact
- Thirsty to learn
- Caring toward customers, teams, and communities
- Willing to take ownership and lead through others
Key Behaviours and Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Courage to embrace feedback and change
- Curiosity, accountability, and optimism
- Strong collaboration skills
- Resilience under pressure
- Ability to deliver results in new situations
- Comfort working in fast-paced environments
- Inclusivity, empathy, and a desire to influence positive change
Minimum Qualifications
- An undergraduate degree completed within the last two years
- Demonstrated leadership or involvement in extracurricular activities
- Proficiency in MS Office
- Strong command of English
CCBA notes that while academic qualifications matter, the programme prioritises passion, potential, and leadership character.
With over 14,000 employees and a diverse beverage portfolio ranging from Coca-Cola and Fanta to locally tailored brands, CCBA continues to invest in Africa’s young talent pool through strategic training programmes.
“This is where your leadership journey begins. Make it yours,” the company stated, urging young Africans to seize the opportunity and be part of the team driving the continent’s growth story.
