Heineken has sold its DR Congo operating arm Bralima, a deal that marks the end of the Dutch brewer’s physical presence in the African country.
The Amstel brewer’s local operations have been significantly hit by armed conflict in DR Congo.
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Heineken said today (10 April) it has has sold the Bralima business, which includes three breweries, to Mauritius-based ELNA Holdings.
In November, Heineken sold its brewery in Bukavu, in the eastern of DR Congo, to Synergy Ventures Holdings, which is also based in Mauritius, for a symbolic €1 ($1.16).
Bralima had halted operations in Bukavu after the M23 rebel group seized territory in January 2025, including the cities of Bukavu and Goma.
In today’s statement, Heineken made no mention of the recent turbulence in the country. It said the sale was in line with its efforts to “active portfolio management and ongoing optimisation of its operating footprint across global markets”.
The strategy includes what Heineken called a “continued progression towards a more asset-light operating model in selected markets”.
ELNA Holdings will take on Bralima’s business, including its manufacturing operations, distribution network and workforce.
Heineken will continue to locally own its global and regional brands and remain active in DR Congo through licensing agreements.
The company sells its Heineken, Primus, Turbo King, Legend and Mützig brands in the couuntry.
Guillaume Duverdier, the president of Heineken’s businesses in Africa and the Middle East, said: “This step allows the business to continue under a locally anchored model, while ensuring that our brands remain available to consumers across the country. It also reflects our move towards a more asset-light approach in selected markets.”
Bralima was established in 1923 and operates breweries in Kinshasa, Kisangani and Lubumbashi.
The business employs more than 700 staff. Operations at the three locations are expected to continue once the sale is completed, Heineken said.
Heineken’s pursuit of “more asset-light operating model” has also driven changes elsewhere in its business.
In February, CEO Dolf van den Brink revealed that the group plans to cut up to 6,000 roles over the next two years as the beer giant seeks annual savings of as much as €500m ($596.1m).
Last month, Heineken said it is changing how it supplies beer to Singapore, moving its Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS) business towards an import-led set-up.
At the time, the brewer said the changes, will affect around 130 jobs, are part of a “more agile regional supply approach”.
