Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) listed company Brasseries et Limonaderies du Rwanda (Bralirwa) is set to launch its local operation of brewing Heineken beer, a product the country was importing from the parent organization in the Netherlands.
Last year, Rwanda’s ambassador to The Netherlands Jean Pierre Karabaranga revealed on social media that Rwanda would start producing the Heineken beer, catalyzed by the attractive business climate and the prominence of the drink in the Rwandan market. Rwanda will as well export the beer in the region with Burundi and DR Congo being the target market.
Commenting on the move by the company which owns 75 percent shares of the Rwandan firm, Victor Madiela, the Managing Director of Bralirwa said, “We believe that this innovation will create additional business opportunities for Bralirwa Plc and for our business partners in Rwanda as well as through export to neighboring countries. Additionally, this is another contribution by Bralirwa plc to the Made-in-Rwanda programme. By switching from importing to local production, Bralirwa Plc will contribute to the development of the local economy.”
Bralirwa brews the country’s flagship beer Primus, alongside other beverages including Mutzig, Turbo, Amstel, and Legend.
Heineken extended its 23-year sponsorship deal of the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Champions League and Europa League by three years for an undisclosed fee. The Dutch company continues to be a crucial partner in the annual soccer tournament viewed by millions around the globe, harvesting a significant amount of revenue from the sporting activity and source of entertainment.
The African beer market continues to grow, and with the potential of untapped business opportunities still, high companies continue to jostle for space in the market. Authorities continue to advocate for foreign investments to drive economic growth and development which businesses are taking advantage as they spread print in the African continent.
ALSO READ:
