Heineken Bets on Communities to Brew Growth

Heineken Ethiopia Plc, the largest brewery, is spending 33 million Br on a new community development program for residents in Addis Abeba and Sheger City, in what its executives say is an extension of the Brewer’s push to pair its growth with local investment.

“Heineken grew the business, and the community should grow with us,” said Bart De Keninck, general manager, during the launch unveiled on Wednesday, April 29, 2025, at Heineken’s Qilinto plant. He called the program, “a meaningful extension of our commitment beyond business.”

Since arriving, Heineken Ethiopia says it has poured more than two billion Birr into corporate-social-responsibility projects ranging from clean-water access to health clinics. The Dutch brewer entered Ethiopia 12 years ago, acquiring the Harar and Bedele breweries and later building a green-field plant in Qilinto. The three facilities produce 4.5 million hectoliters a year. In 2024/25 alone, the company paid 14 billion Br in taxes. The latest initiative lands as authorities push investors to share the returns on the expanding consumer market.

For Heineken, whose local flagship brands include Walia and Harar, the bet is that healthier surrounding neighborhoods will promote loyal customers, and a smoother environment to operate.

The plan rolls out five projects meant to lift 75 low-income households in Akaki Qaliti District of Addis Abeba and nearby Koye-feche District. Working with the aid group Mahibere Hiwot for Social Development, the company hopes to steer families into small dairy, poultry, animal-fattening, and retail ventures while providing workspace and training. Two sites beside the Qilinto plant, built in 45 days for a combined 15 million Br, are ready to serve 30 households. A third site in Wedesa Woreda, Koye-feche, is under construction by Selena Construction Plc, a grade-five contractor, on a 3,000Sqm plot. It is slated to open in 45 days, backing another 45 households in poultry, dairy, and livestock husbandry.

Among the first beneficiaries is Birtukan Gizaw, 38, a widow who spent two decades selling coffee on the streets of Qilinto to support her three children. Backed by a 7.5 million Br allocation, she now runs a small shop selling injera, berbere, and baked goods alongside 15 other vendors in a sheltered stall.

“My life is finally changing,” Birtukan told Fortune. “I couldn’t be more grateful.”