Lion Lager production started at Okahandja
The local production of Lion Lager officially began on Wednesday by the Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, together with the Mayor of Okahandja, Beatrice Kotungondo, at the Welwitschia Brewery in Okahandja.“It is an honour to be here today as we witness the official launch and commencement of local production of Lion Lager by Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) here in Okahandja," the minister said.
"This momentous occasion represents a commendable and remarkable expansion of the Namibian brewing industry, while also underlining AB InBev's commitment to expanding investments in Namibia, creating local jobs, improving skills development and supporting our economic growth in general."
Accordingly, AB InBev Namibia has already set aside around N$65.4 million in 2023 to invest in solar energy to save 700 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. "With its solar technology, AB InBev Namibia is pioneering a new zero-emission solar technology at the Welwitschia Brewery here in Okahandja. These efforts are indeed an asset to Namibia's ambitions in green industrialisation and hydrogen production."
The Lion Lager brand is no stranger to the Namibian market, having been a well-known brand since the early years of independence. According to the minister, the local production of this beer brand is a sign of the confidence that strategic investors such as AB InBev have in the stability of the Namibian economy, the quality of the workforce and the opportunities offered by the Namibian business environment.
“This move will undoubtedly have a positive impact on various sectors such as transport, logistics and retail and will further stimulate growth in our value chains,” said Iipumbu.
However, she said that by launching and producing the beer, AB InBev must ensure that part of the company’s social investment is to educate the public on the responsible consumption of alcohol to prevent the potentially harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption.