AB InBev Namibia – Driving impact and economic growth in local communities
AB InBev Namibia, a proud member of the world’s largest brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev, opened its Welwitschia Brewery in Okahandja in 2015 and currently employs 150 motivated employees, 80% of whom are previously disadvantaged Namibians.
Michelline Nawatises
AB InBev Namibia prides itself on its over 30-year heritage in Namibia in contributing to the growth and development of the economy. The opening of Welwitschia Brewery has resulted in job creation in the local Okahandja community in the past five years. This has afforded AB InBev Namibia the opportunity to produce some of their quality brands, such as Castle Lite and Carling Black Label, at the brewery. The global brands of this dynamic brewer include Corona, Budweiser and Stella Artois, which are also available in the Namibian market.
Fostering a better world
Speaking about the company’s vision, AB InBev Namibia’s legal and corporate affairs manager [NAME MISSING] said: “Our purpose is to bring people together for a better world, which is why we continue to strive to be the best. AB InBev Namibia is a company of doers and we do not take any shortcuts in ensuring that we strive to be the best. Hence we are constantly raising the bar and are never satisfied with being ‘good enough’. We know that together we can achieve our dream of a better world”.
Basson further emphasised that the brewer’s culture is based on their 10 principles, which centre around their dream of a better world; their people who are their greatest strength; and their culture of ownership, transparency and meritocracy. Furthermore, contributing to the local community is essential to the business.
“Supporting our customers and fellow Namibians through marketing and social responsibility initiatives that have a lasting impact in our communities contributes to our dream of a better world” she highlighted.
In doing so, AB InBev Namibia donated 3 000 litres of hand sanitiser and 30 000 surgical masks amongst 600 trade outlets who were adversely affected by Covid-19 and the resultant alcohol ban.
Further, AB InBev Namibia, in line with its smart drinking goals, is dedicated to reducing the harmful effects of alcohol in the Namibian society. To this end, the Carling Black Label #NoExcuse campaign launched last year to commemorate 16 Days of Activism, and called on Namibian men to act against gender-based violence (GBV). The campaign was executed in partnership with Women’s Action for Development, who afforded training to male employees of AB InBev Namibia on the effects of GBV in society and how they can contribute to the fight. A donation of groceries was also made to a shelter for victims of GBV.
Investing in our people
“We are committed to supporting our local communities through the development of the youth and our own people,” Basson added. AB InBev Namibia, through its //Karas Region Empowerment Trust, granted bursaries to students for the 2020 academic year to the amount of N$582 120. This covered the tuition fees of approximately 30 students hailing from the region.
AB InBev Namibia also provides in-service training to science graduates to enable them to gain practical exposure to the industry and to understand the practical use of their science degrees within the employment market. The appointments are based on the capacity needs of the brewery and selected trainees may be considered for further opportunities at the company where available.
“Looking forward on the next three years, we hope to continue growing our impact on the local communities and the economy to achieve the dream of a better world. Empowering and upskilling our people will remain a priority for AB InBev Namibia - enabling them to make a positive impact in the business as well as in their communities. Moreover, AB InBev Namibia will continue to grow our quality brands to solidify our position in the Namibian market. Cheers to a better world,” Basson concluded.
To learn more about AB InBev and its global contributions, visit ab-inbev.com.
AB InBev Namibia prides itself on its over 30-year heritage in Namibia in contributing to the growth and development of the economy. The opening of Welwitschia Brewery has resulted in job creation in the local Okahandja community in the past five years. This has afforded AB InBev Namibia the opportunity to produce some of their quality brands, such as Castle Lite and Carling Black Label, at the brewery. The global brands of this dynamic brewer include Corona, Budweiser and Stella Artois, which are also available in the Namibian market.
Fostering a better world
Speaking about the company’s vision, AB InBev Namibia’s legal and corporate affairs manager [NAME MISSING] said: “Our purpose is to bring people together for a better world, which is why we continue to strive to be the best. AB InBev Namibia is a company of doers and we do not take any shortcuts in ensuring that we strive to be the best. Hence we are constantly raising the bar and are never satisfied with being ‘good enough’. We know that together we can achieve our dream of a better world”.
Basson further emphasised that the brewer’s culture is based on their 10 principles, which centre around their dream of a better world; their people who are their greatest strength; and their culture of ownership, transparency and meritocracy. Furthermore, contributing to the local community is essential to the business.
“Supporting our customers and fellow Namibians through marketing and social responsibility initiatives that have a lasting impact in our communities contributes to our dream of a better world” she highlighted.
In doing so, AB InBev Namibia donated 3 000 litres of hand sanitiser and 30 000 surgical masks amongst 600 trade outlets who were adversely affected by Covid-19 and the resultant alcohol ban.
Further, AB InBev Namibia, in line with its smart drinking goals, is dedicated to reducing the harmful effects of alcohol in the Namibian society. To this end, the Carling Black Label #NoExcuse campaign launched last year to commemorate 16 Days of Activism, and called on Namibian men to act against gender-based violence (GBV). The campaign was executed in partnership with Women’s Action for Development, who afforded training to male employees of AB InBev Namibia on the effects of GBV in society and how they can contribute to the fight. A donation of groceries was also made to a shelter for victims of GBV.
Investing in our people
“We are committed to supporting our local communities through the development of the youth and our own people,” Basson added. AB InBev Namibia, through its //Karas Region Empowerment Trust, granted bursaries to students for the 2020 academic year to the amount of N$582 120. This covered the tuition fees of approximately 30 students hailing from the region.
AB InBev Namibia also provides in-service training to science graduates to enable them to gain practical exposure to the industry and to understand the practical use of their science degrees within the employment market. The appointments are based on the capacity needs of the brewery and selected trainees may be considered for further opportunities at the company where available.
“Looking forward on the next three years, we hope to continue growing our impact on the local communities and the economy to achieve the dream of a better world. Empowering and upskilling our people will remain a priority for AB InBev Namibia - enabling them to make a positive impact in the business as well as in their communities. Moreover, AB InBev Namibia will continue to grow our quality brands to solidify our position in the Namibian market. Cheers to a better world,” Basson concluded.
To learn more about AB InBev and its global contributions, visit ab-inbev.com.
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