Martin Endjala
Anheuser Busch InBev (AB InBev), situated in Okahandja, announced that Lion Lager will soon be brewed in Namibia.
The Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, shared this information last week during the launch of the local production of Lion Lager in Okahandja.
“Initiatives like today’s launch will further bolster this sector, supporting the government’s goals of sustainable economic growth and industrialisation,” she said.
Iipumbu said the country, like many worldwide, continues to face the challenges posed by global economic fluctuations, underscoring the importance of attracting sustainable investment into the local economy.
According to her, AB InBev’s decision to expand its diversified local presence aligns with the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade’s vision of broadening the country’s industrial base by enhancing local production capacity and reducing dependency on imports.
In 2023, AB-InBev Namibia had set aside approximately N$65.4 million for the construction of solar thermal technology aimed at reducing 700 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
She said that through its solar technology, AB-InBev is pioneering innovation with new emission-free solar solutions at its Welwitschia brewery in Okahandja.
“These efforts are indeed complementary to Namibia’s green industrialisation and hydrogen production ambitions,” said the minister.
The Lion Lager brand is not unfamiliar to the Namibian market. It was renowned in the country during the early years of independence.
Iipumbu stated that the local production of the beer brand signifies the confidence that strategic investors such as AB InBev have in the stability of the country’s economy, the quality of its workforce, and the opportunities presented by Namibia’s business environment.
“This move will undoubtedly have a positive ripple effect across various sectors, including transport, logistics, and retail, further stimulating growth in our value chains,” she pointed out.
She commended the company for its commitment to level the playing field for the success of all businesses in the country and ultimately create much-needed jobs.
“I wish to further encourage you to proactively engage local suppliers and service providers by sourcing local ingredients and services required for production to foster inclusive economic participation and help build a resilient supply chain that benefits Namibian farmers and businesses alike,” she urged.
She hopes that the production and distribution of its brand will take into account the involvement of medium, small, and micro enterprises, as well as the informal sector.
Additionally, she suggested exploring the potential for establishing a special fund to support these two nascent participants in the beverage industry.
The minister also revealed that it is administering the Liquor Act No. 6 of 1998 as amended.
The primary objective of the Liquor Act is to minimise the harm associated with the consumption of liquor by encouraging responsible attitudes that reflect community expectations towards the promotion, sale, supply, consumption, and use of alcohol.
“AB InBev, through the introduction and production of the Lion Lager brand, must ensure that part of your corporate social investment involves educating the public about responsible consumption of alcohol to deter the potentially harmful effects related to excessive drinking,” she cautioned.
She added that the ministry is working on both the Special Economic Zone and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill, which are currently in the legislative drafting stage.
“We will continue to work closely with private sector players such as yourselves to strengthen our manufacturing sector, enhance competitiveness, and ensure that Namibia’s industrial sector is a key driver of economic growth and job creation,” she said.
