The brewer announced that it has sold its shareholding in Brasseries, Limonaderies et Malteries (Bralima) to Mauritius-based ELNA Holdings Ltd, which will assume full responsibility for operations, including production, distribution, and workforce management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1923 by Belgian investors, Bralima had been majority-owned by Heineken since 1986 and served as a cornerstone of the company’s presence in Central Africa. Despite the divestment, Heineken will retain ownership of its key brands—including Heineken, Primus, Turbo King, Legend, and Mutzig—and continue to generate revenue through long-term licensing agreements.
The company said the move aligns with its broader strategy to adopt a more asset-light model in select markets while enabling the business to continue under locally anchored ownership. Guillaume Duverdier, regional president for Africa and the Middle East, noted that the transition reflects both operational realities and long-term strategic priorities.
Heineken’s exit follows a prolonged period of disruption in the country. In early 2025, Bralima’s facilities in the eastern city of Bukavu were extensively looted after government forces withdrew amid advances by AFC/M23 rebels. By mid-year, the company reported that armed groups had seized control of its sites in Bukavu and Goma, effectively halting operations in the conflict-affected region.
In November, Heineken had already offloaded its Bukavu brewery to another Mauritius-based buyer for a nominal fee, while retaining a three-year buyback option contingent on improved security conditions.
The latest deal covers Bralima’s remaining operations in more stable parts of the country, including three breweries located in Kinshasa, Kisangani, and Lubumbashi. These facilities employ approximately 731 people and have not been directly impacted by the violence in the east.