FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
JUNE 27, 2022
ZAMBIAN BREWERIES UNVEILS $80M PLAN TO DOUBLE BEER CAPACITY AT ITS LUSAKA PLANT
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Zambian Breweries has announced a US$80 million package of capital investment buoyed by the enabling investment and trade climate under Zambia’s New Dawn government.
The plan by the nation’s largest brewer is expected to double production capacity at its Lusaka plant over the next 18 months.
The investment, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023, is expected to create more direct and indirect jobs, expand the company’s agriculture out-grower schemes, offer further procurement opportunities for local suppliers and service providers, and contribute additional tax revenue to government.
Zambian Breweries Country Director Michelle Kilpin said: “Zambian Breweries is proud to announce this major investment commitment to the Zambian economy. We are particularly pleased that we are forging an even closer partnership with the government of Zambia in support of its economic recovery and growth programme. This investment will not only enhance our production capacity but will also significantly contribute to the wider national economy.”
Ms Kilpin highlighted that the new investment was in addition to the company’s long-standing contribution to the Zambian economy over many years, with just under US$400 million spent on capital investment programmes in the last decade. The initial US$80 million investment is part of Zambian Breweries’ strategy of creating and sharing value and will see the Lusaka plant doubling its current capacity by the end of 2023. The investment will unlock innovation opportunities within the beer category, see a reduced reliance on imports, as well as open up export options.
In addition, a recent independent study by global consulting firm EY revealed that in 2019 alone, Zambian Breweries contributed K1.6 billion to government revenues.
“Furthermore, in the same period, Zambian Breweries generated K5.8 billion in output and K1 billion in GDP, creating 80,096 direct and indirect, jobs equivalent to K164 million worth of labour income,” added Ms Kilpin.
As part of its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in line with AB InBev’s sustainability agenda, Zambian Breweries has over the years contributed towards sustainability initiatives such as supporting improved farming methods for small-scale farmers as well as in water resource conservation projects, and is committed to continue such support.
Zambian Breweries chairperson Monica Musonda said: “This new investment of US$80 million is another demonstration of Zambian Breweries’ long-term commitment and contribution to Zambia. We will continue to support efforts by the government to grow the economy through creation of employment opportunities, empowerment of local suppliers, distributors, retailers, farmers and entrepreneurs, and contributing to national revenues.”
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About AB InBev in Zambia
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 400 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks.
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Lager, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle beer, Stella Artois and Budweiser.
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