Heineken exits facilities in Eastern Congo amid unrest
Heineken announced on Friday that it has lost control of its operations and has withdrawn staff from its facilities located in conflict-affected areas of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The beverage company previously declared in March that it was halting operations in three towns in the east after numerous breweries were damaged and depots looted during clashes between government troops and rebel factions, as reported by Reuters.
However, on Friday, Heineken reported that the situation has worsened, with armed groups seizing control of its facilities in Bukavu and Goma — the two principal cities in eastern Congo now under rebel authority — along with surrounding areas.
“The conditions necessary for responsible and safe operations are no longer available, and as of June 12, 2025, we have lost operational control,” the company stated.
Heineken mentioned that its subsidiary in Congo, Bralima, is still functioning in regions of the country not affected by the violence and that it will keep monitoring developments in the situation.
The firm runs four breweries in the DRC, producing brands like Heineken, Primus, Amstel, and various others. Its Bukavu facilities once employed around 1,000 individuals, both directly and indirectly.
“Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our employees,” the statement shared on Friday asserted. “We have removed all remaining personnel from these locations and are continuing to provide them with financial support.”
Heineken earns nearly 14% of its global revenue from the Middle East and Africa, with Congo—home to over 100 million people—being one of its key markets.
Before the outbreak of conflict, its operations in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira accounted for approximately one-third of its business within the country.
Leave A Comment