BGI Plans Expansion, Merge Subsidiaries in Bid to Reclaim Market Leadership from Rival Heineken

Dec 25 , 2023


[ssba-buttons]

BGI Ethiopia, one of the country's top brewers, has announced an aggressive five-year expansion plan, aiming to consolidate its four subsidiaries - Meta Abo, Zebidar, Raya, and Castel - into a single corporate entity under BGI. The strategy, spearheaded by the new CEO, Herve Milhade, is designed to challenge Heineken's current market dominance. The ambitious overhaul signals BGI executives' resolve to reclaim the top position in the brewing industry. The CEO disclosed that the expansion includes doubling BGI's annual production capacity to 10 million hectolitres by the end of 2028. The first phase will see Meta Abo liquidated within a year and relocating BGI's plant in Addis Abeba to Sebeta town in Sheger City and Maichew town in the Tigray Regional State, with both relocations completed in approximately 18 months. During a media briefing at the Sheraton Addis last week, Milhade outlined his vision for BGI, emphasising the importance of his restructuring plan in the company's growth trajectory. However, these changes have stirred concerns among BGI's 5,500-strong workforce, comprising both full-time and contract employees. The CEO assured that the company would focus on expanding its sales network and recruiting new talent post-relocation, offering significantly higher compensation packages to those unable to continue with BGI.


Radar

Ethiopia Unveils Consortium to Insure Millions of Farmers

Ethiopia has launched its Agricultural Insurance Consortium (AICE), pledging to protect three million farmers by 2026. Announced on July 3, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency, the initiative is backed by Pula Advisors and five major Ethiopian insurers. AICE plans to promote climate resilience through insurance bundled with the government's input voucher system. Leveraging AI platforms like Mavuno and PIE, it plans to standardise products, lower costs, and expand coverage to over 200 woredas. With agricu...


Radar

New Coopbank Partnership Targets Youth Economic Empowerment

The Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coopbank) has signed a strategic agreement with Melka Ethiopia to provide loan services to over 120,000 young men and women nationwide. The partnership plans to promote youth economic empowerment by expanding access to finance and creating jobs, with a strong focus on rural and underserved areas. Both institutions held joint discussions to explore ways to improve youth livelihoods and financial inclusion. By closing access gaps, the partnership is expected to help...


Radar

Ethiopian Netpreneur Program Training Kicks Off

The Ethiopian Netpreneur 2025 Training Program has officially launched its first cohort in Addis Abeba with 64 entrepreneurs beginning their first round of training. Organised by the Global Digital Talent Academy, the initiative plans to empower local business owners, startup founders, and digital sector players with global-level e-commerce skills. At the launch event, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Mola (PhD) urged participants to leverage the opportunity to build networks and shape...