The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade is pushing for greater involvement of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Namibia’s beverage industry.
This follows the launch of local production of Lion Lager by Anheuser Busch InBev (AB InBev) in Okahandja.
As part of the broader strategy to enhance local production, Minister of Industrialisation and Trade Lucia Iipumbu encouraged AB InBev to engage with local suppliers and service providers, fostering inclusive economic participation.
“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 said at the event.
She further emphasised the importance of attracting sustainable investment in the face of global economic challenges.
“AB InBev’s decision to increase its diversified local footprint aligns with the vision of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade of expanding the country’s industrial base through the enhancement of local production capacity and reducing our dependency on imports,” Iipumbu said.
The Minister also highlighted the contribution of the manufacturing sector to Namibia’s economic growth, with the sector contributing over N$20.6 billion to the country’s GDP by 2022.
“Initiatives like today’s launch will further bolster this sector, supporting the government’s goals of sustainable economic growth and industrialisation,” she added.
The Minister underscored the need to support MSMEs and the informal sector, calling on AB InBev to explore the possibility of establishing a special fund for these participants in the beverage industry.
“It is our hope that a consideration is made to include especially our MSMEs and the informal sector in the production and distribution of this brand, including exploring the potential for establishing a special fund to support these two nascent participants,” she noted.
Additionally, Iipumbu stressed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
She pointed ongoing efforts, such as the legislative drafting of the Special Economic Zone and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill, aimed at improving the investment climate.
“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.
The Minister also touched on the importance of responsible alcohol consumption, urging AB InBev to incorporate public education on this issue as part of their corporate social responsibility.
“AB InBev must ensure that part of your corporate social investment is to educate the public about responsible consumption of alcohol to deter the potential harmful effects related to excessive drinking,” she said.
Meanwhile, AB InBev Namibia Country Manager Kevin Louw said the launch of Lion Lager marks a significant milestone for the Welwitschia Brewery, celebrating its 10th anniversary.
“The brewery, whose capacity has been increased with two additional tanks in 2019, started with an initial focus on three flagship brands – Castle Lager, Castle Lite and Carling Black Label, which now produces five brands (this includes Lion Lager), diversifying the AB InBev Namibia beer portfolio to cater to a wider audience and different market segments,” he said.
