The occupation of key towns in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda’s army, has severely disrupted the region’s economy, including its once-thriving brewing market. Shortages and soaring prices for Congolese beers have fueled imports from Rwanda and Burundi, reshaping local consumption patterns.

In Bukavu, which the rebels recently overtook, the price of a bottle of Brasimba beer has skyrocketed from 3,500 to 8,000 Congolese francs (CF), while in Kiwanja, large-format Primus bottles now sell for between CF6,000 and CF7,000. Meanwhile, Rwandan and Burundian beers like Primus Rwanda and Amstel remain more affordable, priced between CF3,000 and CF4,000 in bars across Goma’s Karisimbi commune. Bar owners and terrace operators are increasingly turning to neighboring countries for supplies to sustain their businesses, benefiting Rwandan and Burundian breweries at the expense of local production.

The crisis deepened in February 2025 when M23 rebels entered Bukavu and looted the warehouses of Bralima, one of the DRC’s largest breweries. This ransacking has jeopardized over 1,000 jobs tied to Bralima’s operations, including contractors and subcontractors facing financial uncertainty. The brewery’s reduced capacity underscores the broader economic toll of the conflict.

Ronsard Luabeya (intern)