EAST AFRICA - East African Breweries PLC (EABL) has announced that it spent KSh5.9 billion (US$45.7 million) on businesses owned by youth, women, and persons with disabilities in the past financial year. 

This expenditure, detailed in the company's latest Sustainability Report, constitutes 7.9 percent of EABL’s total supplier base, surpassing the initial 6 percent target. The initiative is part of EABL’s broader strategy to drive economic inclusivity by incorporating underrepresented groups into its supply chain.

The move depicts EABL's commitment to fostering diversity and creating opportunities for marginalized communities while contributing to their economic empowerment. 

“EABL has made significant strides in prioritizing the rights and dignity of every person, irrespective of their gender, age, physical ability, or geographical location," Attorney General Dorcas Oduor praised the company for its pioneering efforts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

Empowering women and promoting leadership diversity

One of the key highlights of the report was the increase in women's representation within EABL's leadership. Group Managing Director and CEO, Jane Karuku, reported that women now make up 45 per cent of the company’s leadership team, a step forward in promoting gender equality in business.

In addition to leadership diversity, EABL has been actively involved in community empowerment through skills development. In 2024, the company provided training to 9,951 individuals in business and hospitality skills, exceeding its annual target by 68 per cent. 

Notably, the Learning for Life Initiative trained 4,570 women, well above the target of 2,500, equipping them with essential skills such as budgeting, timekeeping, negotiation, and mixology to either gain employment or establish their own businesses.

Environmental milestones and carbon footprint reduction

EABL’s environmental initiatives also feature prominently in the report. The company reduced its water usage in production to 2.93 liters per liter of packaged products, surpassing its target of 3.07 liters. It also increased water replenishment efforts to 403,908 cubic meters, up from 361,217 cubic meters the previous year.

The full utilization of biomass plants at its breweries in Kampala, Kisumu, and Nairobi has further reduced the company's carbon footprint. 

EABL lowered its direct carbon emissions from 28.29 kilotons in the previous year to 21.4 kilotons in 2024. With biomass plants now fully operational, the company has increased its use of renewable energy to 75.49 per cent of total energy consumption.

Circular economy initiatives

EABL has also made strides in waste management through its initiative to reclaim used spirit bottles from the market.

 In 2024, the company collected over 17 million bottles, employing more than 500 youth in the process. The initiative involves the collection, washing, sorting, and storage of the bottles for reuse, contributing to the company’s circular economy goals.