Zambian Breweries Marks International Beer Day with a Call to Action Against Illicit Alcohol
Zambian Breweries Plc has joined the world in celebrating International Beer Day, highlighting the beverage’s vital contribution to Zambia’s economy while raising alarm over the growing threat of illicit alcohol consumption.
The brewery spotlighted the role of beer in driving inclusive growth, with recent data from the 2024 Oxford Economics Report showing the beer industry contributed an estimated US$393.8 million to Zambia’s GDP in 2023, equivalent to 1.4% of the national economy and 19% of Ndola’s local GDP.
“The story of beer in Zambia is one of opportunity,” said Thais Cavinatto, Country Director at Zambian Breweries. “It starts with a smallholder farmer in the field and ends in the hands of a consumer enjoying a safe, quality beverage. At every step, beer supports livelihoods, drives enterprise development, and contributes to public revenue.”
Central to this contribution is Zambian Breweries’ robust outgrower scheme, which supports over 6,000 smallholder farmers producing cassava and sorghum. These farmers benefit from guaranteed markets, training, and technical assistance, ensuring that economic benefits extend to rural communities and vulnerable households.
The wider industry supports over 230,000 jobs, representing 3.5% of Zambia’s national employment and 16% of Lusaka’s workforce. In 2023, beer-related taxes accounted for US$375.8 million, or 6.2% of total government revenue.
Despite the success, the sector faces a major hurdle: illicit alcohol. According to research by the Centre for Primary Care and Research (CPCR), approximately 71% of alcohol consumed in Zambia is illicit. This undermines public health, legitimate business, and national development.
Illicit alcohol reportedly results in over US$145.5 million in lost tax revenue annually in Zambia and impairs the health and productivity of over 53% of its consumers. Across Africa, the problem costs governments more than US$1.8 billion in tax losses annually.
“Illicit alcohol is more than an economic threat, it’s a social crisis,” said Cavinatto. “Illegal producers don’t just cheat the taxman; they endanger lives, rob families of income, and destabilise communities.”
In response, Zambian Breweries has reaffirmed its commitment to combatting illicit alcohol through collaborative platforms such as the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol. The company continues to advocate for safer, regulated, and affordable alternatives like Eagle Extra, while calling for stronger regulatory frameworks and public education.
This International Beer Day, Zambian Breweries is rallying stakeholders, from consumers and farmers to regulators and retailers—to protect beer as a national asset. Beer in Zambia is local, natural, and inclusive, crafted from locally grown ingredients, enjoyed responsibly, and shared in ways that unite communities.
“When we choose legal, quality beer, we’re choosing safety, sustainability, and support for thousands of Zambian families,” Cavinatto emphasized.
