Dutch brewing giant Heineken has sold its stake in its Congolese subsidiary, ending decades of direct presence in the central African market after conflict severely disrupted operations.
The company said Friday it had divested its shareholding in Brasseries, Limonaderies et Malteries, known as Bralima, to Mauritius-based ELNA Holdings Ltd, which will take over production, distribution and staff. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The move marks the end of Heineken’s long-standing ownership in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Bralima has operated for more than a century.
Founded in 1923 by Belgian investors, Bralima had been majority-owned by Heineken since 1986 and was one of the country’s leading brewers.
Heineken said it would retain ownership of its key brands — including Heineken, Primus, Turbo King, Legend and Mutzig — and continue to earn revenue through long-term licensing agreements.
“This step allows the business to continue under a locally anchored model,” said Guillaume Duverdier, president of Heineken’s Africa and Middle East operations. “It also reflects our move towards a more asset-light approach in selected markets.”
The sale follows a turbulent period for the brewer in Congo, particularly in the conflict-hit east of the country.
In early 2025, Bralima facilities in the eastern city of Bukavu were extensively looted after government forces withdrew amid an advance by AFC/M23 rebels.
Months later, Heineken said armed personnel had seized its sites in Bukavu and Goma, leaving the company without operational control in those areas.
In November, the brewer transferred its Bukavu brewery to a separate Mauritius-based buyer for a symbolic one euro, while retaining a three-year option to repurchase the asset if conditions improve.
Friday’s transaction covers the remainder of Bralima’s operations, including three breweries located in Kinshasa, Kisangani and Lubumbashi — regions not directly affected by the ongoing conflict.
These facilities employ around 731 workers, whose jobs will now be transferred under the new ownership.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been seen as a high-growth but high-risk market for multinational firms, with vast natural resources and a large population but persistent instability, particularly in its eastern provinces.
Heineken’s exit underscores the challenges faced by international companies operating in conflict-affected environments, as well as a broader shift by some multinationals towards lighter asset models in volatile markets.
Despite stepping back from direct ownership, the brewer’s decision to retain brand rights signals continued interest in the Congolese market, albeit under a different operational structure.
The deal highlights how security risks and political instability can reshape investment strategies, even in markets with strong long-term potential.
