Trade ministry to review Liquor Act

Minister of industrialisation and trade Lucia Iipumbu says the ministry is in the process of reviewing the Liquor Act and its regulations.

Iipumbu said this at the AB-InBev (ABI) Namibia tour event at its Welwitschia Brewery plant at Okahandja on Monday.

She said the ministry noted that the process of liquor licence issuance takes time, thus the need for amendments.

“Customers are supposed to come and introduce themselves with their liquor licences that are sometimes not processed on time,” she said.

A database of all authorised traders would be rewarding for all parties, she said.

“It will improve your sales. For I know that you would not require people to come here and show their receipts.

There are those (business owners) that go and buy with their receipts because the process of the liquor licence takes time.”

Iipumbu said the ministry is overhauling the processes and procedures of acquiring a liquor licence.

Iipumbu lauded ABI Namibia for its efforts in solving societal issues.

“The water stewardship project that ABI has partnered with the local municipality goes along with government efforts to improve water supply to all communities.

“I am delighted to hear that you have a sustainable solution for the water issues here at Okahandja and I am happy that you are assisting us with providing employment opportunities here and we want ABI to grow and expand its facilities as it continues to innovate,” Iipumbu said.

BEER INDUSTRY BOOSTS GDP

Speaking at the same event, ABI vice president for corporate affairs Zoleka Lisa said the beer value chain continues to accelerate economic growth in Namibia, contributing N$2,94 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP).

Lisa said the industry created 9 000 jobs across the value chain and N$1,26 billion was collected in tax.

The country’s operational footprint of ABI Namibia includes one brewery, three depots, employing 146 staff, Lisa said
“For us, building an empowered nation means working with the people who call Namibia home, and this includes over 200 local suppliers in water treatment, waste management and third-party transporters,” Lisa said.

SOLAR THERMAL
ENERGY PROJECT

Important long-term initiatives, such as the Solar Thermal Energy Project and the Water Stewardship Project at Okahandja, are ABI’s environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) priorities.

Through its solar thermal technology, AB-InBev Namibia is pioneering innovation with new emission-free solar technology at its Welwitschia Brewery plant.

“This is a big accomplishment for us as a Namibian business, as it is the first solar thermal technology used in the ABI global family. The collected solar heat will be used to generate steam and will be used in the brewing process, which means we will actively reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Lisa.

This is a win not just for their business but the future of the value chain.

Through an investment of N$65,4 million, the solar thermal technology aims to save ABI approximately 700 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.

“This technology means our brewery will become more climate resistant, reduce energy costs and contribute to the Namibian government’s sustainability efforts,” Lisa said.

OKAHANDJA WATER
STEWARDSHIP PROJECT

According to Lisa, ABI Namibia is working toward a goal of its communities having improved water availability and quality.

“We are working with the Municipality of Okahandja to develop a water stewardship project to improve access to water for the community.”

She said they have noted the scarcity of water sources to supply less privileged communities within Okahandja like Vyf Rand and Vergenoeg.

“Our aim is to positively contribute by ensuring there is improved water availability and quality across our operations, our value chain and the communities we serve,” Lisa said.