Zambia Breweries celebrates International Beer Day honouring beer's contribution to the nation's economy and calling for united action against illicit alcohol
LUSAKA, Zambia – 01 August 2025 – As the world marks International Beer Day, Zambian Breweries Plc joins the global celebration by spotlighting the transformative impact of beer on Zambia’s economy. From the soil where sorghum and barley are planted, to the glass raised in celebration in local bars. The brewery is also using the occasion to highlight the growing threat of illicit alcohol, which poses serious risks to the legitimate industry, employment, and public health.
Beer is more than just a beverage enjoyed by our people, it acts as a driver of inclusive economic growth. In 2023, the beer industry contributed an estimated US$393.8 million to Zambia’s GDP, representing 1.4% of the national total and 19% of Ndola’s economy, according to the 2024 Oxford Economics report. This contribution spreads across a broad value chain, from farmers cultivating raw materials, brewers working in production lines, distributors, our suppliers, retailers, to even the informal outlets.
At the heart of this value chain are over 6,000 smallholder farmers supported through Zambian Breweries’ cassava and sorghum outgrower schemes. These farmers benefit from guaranteed markets, training, and technical support that not only enhance productivity but also provide commercially viable alternative revenue streams. By integrating local farmers into its supply chain, Zambian Breweries ensures that economic growth extends deep into rural communities, strengthening livelihoods and building resilience for thousands of households.
- The beer industry contributed an estimated US$393.8 million to Zambia’s GDP
- The beer industry supports over 230,000 jobs, representing 3.5% of Zambia’s total national employment
- An estimated 71% of alcohol consumed in Zambia is illicit
“The story of beer in Zambia is one of opportunity,” said Thais Cavinatto, Country Director at Zambian Breweries. “It is a story that starts with a smallholder farmer in the field and ends in the hands of a consumer enjoying a safe, quality beverage. At every step, beer supports livelihoods, drives enterprise development, and contributes to public revenue.”
The industry supports over 230,000 jobs, representing 3.5% of total national employment, or 16% of all jobs in Lusaka. Furthermore, beer-related tax revenue reached US$375.8 million, equivalent to 6.2% of all government income, demonstrating beer’s powerful role in national development.
But this growth story is not without its challenges. According to research by the Centre for Primary Care and Research (CPCR), an estimated 71% of alcohol consumed in Zambia is illicit, threatening public health, draining tax revenue, and displacing legal jobs. Illicit alcohol generates over US$5.1 billion annually across Africa, while governments lose more than US$1.8 billion in taxes each year.
In Zambia, the public health toll is staggering – over 53% report impaired functioning due to its consumption, resulting in more than US$145.5 million in unpaid tax revenue to government. To counter this threat, Zambian Breweries is working with national stakeholders through platforms like the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol to drive community campaigns, strengthen regulatory support, and provide safe, affordable alternatives such as Eagle Extra.
“Illicit alcohol is more than an economic threat, it’s a social crisis,” said Cavinatto. “When illegal producers cut corners, they don’t just cheat the taxman; they endanger lives, rob families of income, and destabilise communities. On this International Beer Day, we must act collectively to uphold standards, safety, and sustainability.”
Zambian Breweries reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the entire beer value chain, from empowering farmers and supporting retail entrepreneurs to championing responsible drinking.
Beer is local, natural, and inclusive rooted in our communities, crafted from locally grown ingredients, and shared in moments that bring people together. On this International Beer Day, Zambian Breweries calls on all Zambians to protect this national asset by standing united against illicit alcohol. When we choose legal, quality beer, we are not just choosing safety we are choosing to support farmers, entrepreneurs, bartenders, and countless families who rely on this sector.
