Heineken announced that it transferred its Bukavu brewery to Mauritian company Synergy Ventures Holdings Ltd for a symbolic 1 €, after losing operational control of its facilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The loss of control is linked to the occupation of the Goma and Bukavu sites by armed groups since June 12, in a context marked by the advance of the M23 in North and South Kivu. (Reuters / Madis Invest)

According to the announcement relayed by Reuters on November 19, 2025, the sale was motivated by humanitarian concerns: preserving jobs and livelihoods, maintaining essential community services, and preventing any misuse of the facilities in an unstable security environment.

It remains unclear how Synergy Ventures plans to restart operations at the Bukavu brewery. The announcement states that the company will assume all responsibilities related to operating the site, including production activities, staff management, and tax obligations. Heineken, for its part, retains a three-year buyback option should security conditions allow a return.

The outlook remains uncertain. Despite the signing on November 15, 2025, in Doha (Qatar), of a Framework Agreement for comprehensive peace in eastern DRC between the Congolese government and AFC/M23 rebels, fighting continues on the ground.

As early as March, Bralima suspended operations in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira due to raids and looting targeting its warehouses. The rapid deterioration of the situation led to the full evacuation of remaining staff in these three cities on June 20, affecting about one thousand direct and indirect jobs.

These facilities represented a major asset for the group’s Congolese subsidiary. According to internal Bralima data, Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira accounted for nearly one-third of its revenue in the DRC, where Heineken operates five breweries established since the 1920s.