GOVERNMENT COMMITED TO MAKE TANZANIA TOP INVESTMENT DESTINATION

Dar es Salaam, September 13, 2023: The government has reiterated its commitment to continue reviewing the country’s policies and regulatory framework governing the business environment in its bid to make Tanzania a top destination for local and foreign investments.

Speaking at a meeting with the managing director for Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL), Obinna Anyalebechi, the minister for industries and trade, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, also said the government is open to dialogue with the private sector as a means to resolving challenges facing the business community.

“The private sector is an important stakeholder in nation building. We value its role in the country’s economic development, its contribution to job creation, government revenue generation and for the social support towards communities,” Dr Kijaji said.

During the courtesy call held in Dar es Salaam, the SBL managing director thanked the minister for her support to the private sector, a factor he said, had to growing investors’ interest and confidence in Tanzania.

As a result, Obinna said SBL has invested over TZS 165 billion in the past three years to expand its beer and spirits manufacturing operations culminating into creation of new jobs and bringing new opportunities for local suppliers to the company.

“This expansion has increased production and subsequently led to an increase in revenue generation to the government from our business while enhancing the company’s capacity to fund more community support programs,” the MD said.

SBL’s community support programs, according to Obinna include water stewardship, tree planting and life skills training for the youths, women and marginalized groups. The company also runs an agribusiness program that supports over 400 local farmers who grow barley, maize, sorghum and other cereals that the company buys and uses as raw materials for beer production

About SBL:

Incorporated in 1988 as Associated Breweries, SBL is the second-largest beer company in Tanzania, with its beer brands accounting for over 25% of the market by volume.

SBL has three operating plants in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Moshi.

Since the creation of SBL in 2002, the business has grown its portfolio of brands year on year. The majority stake acquisition by EABL/Diageo in 2010 has seen increased investment in international quality standards leading to greater job opportunities for the people of Tanzania.

SBL Brands have received multiple international awards, including Serengeti Premium Lager, Serengeti Lite, Pilsner Lager, Guinness stout, and Guinness smooth. The company is also home to the world's renowned spirits such as Johnnie Walker Whisky, Smirnoff Vodka, Gordon's Gin, Captain Morgan Rum, Baileys Irish Cream, and locally produced brands such as Bongo Don – SBL’s maiden local spirit brand and Smirnoff orange.

For further information contact:

Rispa Hatibu
SBL Communications and Sustainability Manager
Tel: +255 685260901 

Email: Rispa.Hatibu@diageo.com