Entertainment
Coca-Cola surprises Lusaka commuters with free bus rides as ‘Ride Na Coke’ campaign launches. Campaign celebrates community, nostalgia, and sustainability – bringing free bus rides and ice-cold Coca-Cola to commuters across Zambia
Coca-Cola Zambia is putting refreshment on the move with the launch of Ride Na Coke, a first-of-its-kind campaign that blends the nostalgia of Coca-Cola’s iconic Returnable Glass Bottle (RGB) with the daily rhythm of Zambia’s busiest bus routes. Rooted in the popular saying “Yamu Botolo…
Picture: Mwebantu
Coca-Cola Zambia is putting refreshment on the move with the launch of Ride Na Coke, a first-of-its-kind campaign that blends the nostalgia of Coca-Cola’s iconic Returnable Glass Bottle (RGB) with the daily rhythm of Zambia’s busiest bus routes.
Rooted in the popular saying “Yamu Botolo Ni Lassst”, which is at the of the campaign, as a cultural truth every Zambian knows well. This vibrant slang isn’t just an expression, it’s a celebration of the great taste of Coca-Cola from a glass bottle, an uplifting experience unlike any other.
This phrase captures what makes Coca-Cola in a glass bottle special: crisp, bold, and nostalgic. It’s more than a drink; it’s a moment to savour and with this campaign, consumers have the opportunity enjoy Coca-Cola in its most classic form while unlocking a free bus ride.
How It Works
In partnership with the Public Bus Drivers Association, the mechanic is simple:
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Reach readers following the national conversation
Display, sponsored placements and briefing slots — across politics, business and sport.
1. Buy a Coca-Cola RGB at designated bus station sales points.
2. Present it to the Coke activation team and receive a voucher for your bus fare.
3. Hand the voucher to the conductor for a free ride.
4. Conductors then collect the bottles and are rewarded by Coca-Cola as official “Yamu Botolo Heroes.”
This not only incentivises bottle returns but also embeds Coca-Cola into everyday Zambian life, reducing single-use packaging while rewarding consumers.
Where & When
The activation will run across four major transport hubs, reaching an estimated 390,000 consumers:
Location Date(s)
Kulima Tower, Lusaka 9 Oct
Mulungushi Bus Station, Ndola 9 Oct
Lumumba Bus Station, Lusaka 16 Oct
Savage Yard Bus Station, Kitwe 16 Oct
Each hub will come alive with branded setups, DJs, MCs, giveaways, and energetic activation teams engaging with commuters through games, music, and surprise rewards creating a festival-like atmosphere at ordinary bus stops.
Community & Culture
“We wanted to bring the timeless magic of Coca-Cola in a glass bottle right into the heart of Zambia’s daily commute. Ride Na Coke is about connection, community, and celebrating Coke in a bottle in a way that feels truly Zambian”, says Faith Nehanda, Coca-Cola Senior Manager, Frontline Marketing, Zambia.
The campaign ties into Coca-Cola’s vision of encouraging glass bottle returns, educating conductors on reuse, and rewarding their participation.
Real Stories, Real Impact
To showcase the human stories behind the campaign, Coca-Cola is capturing commuter testimonials – everyday riders sharing how a Coke and a free ride made their day brighter. These “Yamu Botolo Stories” will be amplified across radio, social media, and lifestyle media platforms.
Join the Movement
Commuters and fans can share their experience using the hashtags:
#YamuBotoloNiLast | #RideNaCoke | #CocaColaZM
Source: Mwebantu — Read more
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