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The International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) has launched its Africa chapter in Nairobi and named Kenyan lawyer and policy expert Iddah Asin as its first Executive Director.
According to a statement from the organization, it will focus on sharing best practices, supporting evidence-based policymaking, and addressing key issues such as health and environmental sustainability.
Further, ICBA Africa will work alongside the organization’s other regional arms, including ICBA Latin America and ICBA Asia Pacific, to expand the council’s global footprint.
The launch is expected to contribute to the expansion of the global non-alcoholic beverage industry, with ICBA Africa set to strengthen partnerships between beverage companies, governments, and civil society across the continent.
The launch of ICBA Africa marks a significant milestone for the sector, bringing leading beverage companies together to act with vision under Ms. Asin’s leadership.
Her deep expertise in public-private collaboration, health, and sustainability will be a valuable asset to governments and stakeholders throughout the region,” said ICBA President Andrés Massieu.
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Who is ICBA Africa’s first Executive Director, Iddah Asin
Asin brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Iddah Asin is a seasoned lawyer and public policy expert with more than 15 years of experience in government affairs, policy development, and strategic operations across Africa and beyond.
Her career has been defined by building bridges between industry, governments, and civil society, and driving sustainable business growth while shaping policy and regulatory frameworks in diverse sectors.
She began her career in the aviation industry, serving as Legal Counsel at Jetlink Express Limited from 2009 to 2013. There, she handled matters related to acquisitions, management, and protection of intellectual property, as well as contractual and regulatory compliance.
She then moved to Kenya Airways in 2013 as Manager of Government and Industry Affairs, working with government agencies to secure market access and ensure the airline’s compliance across various jurisdictions.
In 2017, Asin joined Johnson & Johnson as Director of Government Affairs and Policy for East Africa, overseeing strategy and engagement in countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Burundi.
However, she was later appointed Lead, Strategy and Operations for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region in 2021. In 2022, she became Head of Government Affairs and Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa at the company.
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Education Background and Awards
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University, where she was an active member of the Makerere Law Society.
Additionally, she holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from Strathmore University.
She is also an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
In 2017, she was named among Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 Women by the Nation Media Group, and in 2024, she was honored among the Top 50 Women Lawyers at the Nairobi Legal Awards.
“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, building from Africa’s unique priorities and maximizing our collective potential,” she said concerning her appointment.
From Nairobi, Asin will collaborate closely with Mpho Thothela, ICBA Vice President and CEO of the Beverage Association of South Africa, as well as the wider ICBA leadership.
About ICBA
Founded in 1995, ICBA represents the global non-alcoholic beverage industry, including producers of soft drinks, bottled water, sports drinks, ready-to-drink teas and coffees, juices, nectars, and dairy-based beverages.
Its members operate in more than 200 countries and territories.
ICBA Africa is positioning itself as a platform for sustainable growth and constructive dialogue within the Africa’s beverage market.
“ICBA Africa will not just be a voice for the industry, but a partner to governments and communities as we shape policies and initiatives that benefit both people and the planet,” Asin said.
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