President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed confidence in the growth of the local manufacturing industry and its ability to contribute to the overall socioeconomic wellbeing of the country as he commissioned Zambian Breweries Plc’s upgraded and expanded state-of-the-art production facility in Lusaka today.
He welcomed the move by the private sector to invest in infrastructure and capacity building stating that: “The New Dawn Government is clear with its intentions, that growth of the economy is one of our critical agendas.”
“Growth can only come through investments such as these. Trade within the economy – to sell, to buy goods and services within this economy but also beyond the national boundaries of Zambia. When we grow the economy and investment, we will be able to create the much-needed jobs, business opportunities for the people of Zambia,” he further noted.
The government acknowledged that it cannot achieve the economic expansion of Zambia without working with partners, investors and businesses such as Zambian Breweries.
Zambian Breweries is one of the country’s oldest companies listed on the Lusaka Securities Exchange. It has long been a key player in Zambia’s economic landscape, contributing to the nation’s tax income, and is among the first to actively participate in national economic initiatives such as the Lusaka Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) programme.
The US$80 million investment into the expansion reflects Zambian Breweries’ dedication to manufacturing excellence, aligning with Government’s economic recovery and growth agenda.
Zambian Breweries’ engagement with producers and informal sector players at the grassroots level is viewed as a positive step towards achieving an inclusive economy and poverty reduction, aligning with the 2022-2026 National Development Plan.
Honourable Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry commended Zambian Breweries for its instrumental role in contributing to the economic fabric of Zambia. He emphasised the importance of value addition in increasing productivity in the country stating that the investment by Zambian Breweries would in time allow for the flexibility to export from what has been produced in this country.
The Zambian Government has dubbed the year 2024 as ‘the year for economic expansion’ in a bid to cultivate and attract partnerships that will bring fairly priced capital to lower the cost of doing business and also bring the best technology, as well as enhance local skills and productivity.
Michelle Kilpin, Zambian Breweries Country Director, also highlighted the vital role of manufacturing in creating entrepreneurs and fostering business opportunities: “The US$80 million capital investment into the expansion of the Mungwi Road plant reflects the company’s commitment to unlocking local opportunities, reducing import reliance, and broadening export options.”
“Zambian Breweries aims not only to expand production but also to create jobs, support agricultural out-grower schemes, provide procurement opportunities for local suppliers, and contribute additional tax revenue to the Zambian Government,” she said.
Ongoing dialogue and engagement between the public and private sector through platforms such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI), the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF), the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) and other stakeholders have been instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of the project.
In collaboration with its parent company AB InBev, the brewing giant stands firmly behind the Zambian government’s vision for manufacturing to contribute 30% to GDP by 2030.
The company’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. In alignment with the Zambian government’s vision for an inclusive and sustainable future, AB InBev is dedicated to legal compliance, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and puts ethics at the heart of its business practices. The company actively supports initiatives such as Smart Agriculture – working with cassava and sorghum farmers in the Northern and Southern Provinces, Circular Packaging, and Water Stewardship, as well as community initiatives around Smart drinking in line with the National Alcohol Policy, reflecting its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
