In 2011, we ventured into the Ethiopian beer market by acquiring Harar and Bedele breweries. In 2015, we inaugurated Kilinto Brewery near Addis Ababa with an investment of EUR310 million. Since then, we have been bringing people together over a beer, embracing Ethiopia as our cherished home and its diverse, hospitable people as our community.
In 2013, we launched a local sourcing project with the goal of enhancing the quality and quantity of barley cultivation in Ethiopia, while supporting local barley farmers. In 2018, we initiated Phase II of the project, further expanding our sourcing of agricultural raw materials to 41%. By 2023, we achieved 100% local sourcing of raw barley and witnessed a remarkable 150% increase in farmers' income.
In August 2014, we proudly introduced Walia beer to the Ethiopian market, unveiling a fresh and refined taste just in time for the Ethiopian New Year. Designed to appeal to local preferences, Walia represented HEINEKEN’s commitment to delivering high-quality beverages while marking a key milestone in its expansion within Ethiopia.
In 2016, we began local production of Heineken® at its Kilinto Brewery, marking a major milestone in making the globally celebrated taste of Heineken more accessible to beer lovers across Ethiopia. This strategic move ensured fresher supply, supported local industry, and underscored our commitment to delivering internationally recognized quality through local expertise and investment.
In 2019, we launched Derash Shelter Project was launched in Kereyu Sefer, Addis Ababa, where Heineken Ethiopia built homes for the most vulnerable households and created numerous construction jobs. The project later expanded its reach to several areas in Addis Ababa, including Cherkos, Kechene, and Kality. In 2024, it marked its first regional expansion to Harar, and in 2025, it launched the sixth phase of the project in Bedele.
In 2020, we launched the “BURQA” water balancing project, committing a substantial budget of 801,839 Euros to enhance water accessibility around Bedele (Dabena River) and Harar (Hakim Gara) breweries. This initiative was designed to significantly improve water availability for both brewery operations and surrounding communities, reinforcing HEINEKEN’s dedication to sustainable resource management and its long-term environmental stewardship in Ethiopia.