Heineken has lost operational control of its facilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), a region plagued by escalating violence. The Dutch beverage group confirmed on June 20 that it withdrew all staff from its sites in Bukavu and Goma after armed rebels occupied the premises, making continued operations impossible.
“The conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present,” the company stated, pinpointing June 12, 2025, as the date when control was officially lost. The affected sites, managed by Bralima, Heineken’s local subsidiary, account for nearly one-third of the company’s revenues in DR Congo. These sites were previously suspended in March following warehouse raids and damage during ongoing clashes between the national army and M23 rebel forces (inside.beer, 04.03.2025).
Despite the turmoil, Bralima continues to operate in parts of the country unaffected by the conflict. Overall, the group maintains five breweries in DR Congo, including the troubled ones in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira. These three eastern facilities alone employed about 1,000 people directly and indirectly.
The situation deteriorated significantly in recent months as M23-led offensives intensified in North and South Kivu provinces. Armed forces have now entrenched themselves in major urban centers, forcing international companies like Heineken to retreat amid grave security risks.
The economic impact is substantial. The eastern DR Congo market is not only vital to Bralima but also to Heineken's broader presence in Africa. The continent, along with the Middle East, contributes nearly 14% of the company's global revenue. With DR Congo’s population surpassing 100 million and a rising beer consumption rate - 4.96 liters per capita in 2021, growing at nearly 6% annually - the region holds enormous market potential.
The political backdrop remains volatile. Although DR Congo, Rwanda, and the United States initialed a draft peace agreement in Washington on June 18 aimed at ending hostilities, its implementation and real-world impact remain uncertain. For Heineken, a restart in Goma and Bukavu is unlikely until genuine stability returns.
“Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees,” Heineken emphasized, confirming that displaced workers continue to receive financial support.
The closure further destabilizes a beer market that, despite producing 5.20 million hectoliters in 2023 - a 6% year-on-year rise - still struggles to meet demand due to chronic instability.
