Heineken N.V. has confirmed its withdrawal from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), selling its Bukavu brewery to Synergy Ventures Holdings Ltd of Mauritius for a symbolic €1.
Why the Exit?
- The Dutch brewer cited humanitarian considerations and the loss of operational control to armed personnel in June 2025.
- This followed the M23 group’s takeover of Bukavu in February, which left the brewery looted and damaged.
- Heineken explained:
“The transfer is driven by a humanitarian objective to safeguard jobs and livelihoods, maintain vital community services and prevent misuse of the facility in a volatile security environment.”
Impact on Operations
The Bukavu site sustained significant damage during the February siege, including theft of stock, raw materials, and destruction of the control room.
Despite suspending operations, Heineken continued to pay all employees in full until the transfer.
Roughly 1,000 local jobs will now be secured under Synergy Ventures, which assumes responsibility for operations, worker safety, and tax obligations.
Future Outlook
Heineken retains a three‑year buyback option, allowing re‑entry if peace efforts led by the US, Qatar, and the African Union stabilize the region.
The company emphasised: “It represents a careful balance between upholding HEINEKEN’s values and protecting economic stability whilst ensuring a responsible withdrawal from an environment where continued operation is no longer feasible.”
Security Context
- On 20 June 2025, Heineken reported: “Armed personnel have taken control of our facilities in Bukavu, Goma and nearby areas. The conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present and as of 12th June 2025, we have lost operational control.”
- Bralima, Heineken’s local subsidiary, continues operations in other parts of the DRC unaffected by conflict.
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