#10
EABL
As one of East Africa’s largest and most influential corporations, East African Breweries PLC (EABL) holds a significant responsibility in not only driving economic growth but also ensuring sustainable practices in all facets of its operations. With the rapidly increasing global focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, the imperative for EABL to embrace sustainability and inclusivity is paramount. Through its ambitious ‘Spirit of Progress’ sustainability strategy, EABL has committed to aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and embedding these priorities into its business strategy, showcasing its leadership and setting a benchmark for other organisations in the region.
EABL’s sustainability strategy is anchored on three key pillars: Promoting Positive Drinking, Championing Inclusion and Diversity, and Pioneering Grain-to-Glass Sustainability.
At the core of EABL’s mission is its dedication to promoting responsible drinking, as outlined in the first pillar. Recognising its significant influence on the drinking culture in East Africa, the company is committed to equipping consumers with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed choices. By leveraging its strong brand presence, EABL runs campaigns that encourage positive drinking habits, balancing enjoyment with responsibility.
This proactive stance is exemplified by initiatives like the DRINKiQ platform, an online resource for responsible drinking that provides crucial information about alcohol, its effects on the body and mind, and the risks of harmful drinking for individuals and society. The platform allows consumers to understand how responsible drinking can fit into a balanced lifestyle. Available in both English and Kiswahili, this mobile-friendly tool is the first of its kind in East Africa’s alcohol industry, using interactive learning and quizzes to inform users about the contents of their drinks and how alcohol impacts them.
In collaboration with government and NGO partners, EABL conducts targeted education and awareness programs to address the dangers of underage drinking and drink-driving. For example, in the fiscal year 2024, EABL educated over 68,000 people about the risks of drink-driving. Through these initiatives, EABL not only promotes healthier communities but also sets a new benchmark for corporate responsibility.
Creating an equitable workplace and supply chain is a critical focus area in EABL’s sustainability strategy, reflecting the company’s belief that a diverse and empowered workforce is key to long-term success. Under the Champion Inclusion and Diversity pillar, led by the visionary leadership of Group Managing Director (MD) and CEO, Jane Karuku, EABL has made significant strides in gender representation. The company’s leadership is proudly diverse, with women holding 44 percent of senior leadership roles and 36 percent of the board seats in 2024, demonstrating a robust commitment to gender parity. Karuku, an advocate for gender equality, has expressed her pride in these achievements, particularly highlighting EABL’s ambition to achieve a 50-50 hiring threshold by 2030.
Beyond the boardroom, EABL’s focus on inclusivity extends throughout its supply chain. The company’s partnership with over 60,000 farmers reflects its commitment to socio-economic inclusion, particularly for women. Notably, 40 percent of these farmers are women – a figure that exceeds the company’s initial goal of 35 percent.
EABL’s dedication to inclusivity is not limited to gender. The company is working to support marginalised groups, with over 1,200 persons with disabilities (PWDs) included in its farmer network. The integration of these vulnerable populations into EABL’s supply chain is fostering a culture of equity and empowerment, aligning its operations with broader societal goals.
EABL’s commitment to sustainability is further embodied in the third pillar of its strategy: Pioneering Grain-to-Glass Sustainability. This pillar focuses on minimising the environmental impact of EABL’s operations, from sourcing raw materials to the final stages of production. Through this approach, the company has made significant progress in water conservation and reducing carbon emissions, solidifying EABL’s position as a leader in environmental stewardship across the region.
One of the company’s key environmental objectives, outlined in its third sustainability pillar, is to ‘Preserve Water for Life’ – a crucial focus in a region where access to clean water is often scarce. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, EABL achieved a commendable water usage ratio of 2.98 L/L, meaning that for every litre of product produced, the company used 2.98 litres of water. Additionally, EABL replenished 403,908 cubic metres of water, surpassing its target of 371,271 cubic metres. This success was made possible through initiatives that benefit local communities, such as the installation of boreholes across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, which provided vital access to clean water in underserved regions.
In its pursuit of a low-carbon future, EABL has made substantial progress in reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Currently, 75.49 percent of EABL’s operations are powered by renewable energy, largely due to the full operation of biomass plants in Kenya and Uganda. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand these sustainable energy practices to Tanzania, further strengthening its commitment to minimising its carbon footprint. In recognition of these efforts, Kenya Breweries (KBL) was honoured with the prestigious Overall Energy Management Award for 2024, alongside six other accolades at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Energy Management Awards. Similarly, Uganda Breweries (UBL) received the coveted Brewery of the Year 2024 title at the highly competitive Diageo Supply Chain & Procurement Awards.
The company’s innovative use of electric-powered forklifts and extensive tree-planting programs further demonstrate its multifaceted approach to tackling climate change.
Jane Karuku’s leadership has been instrumental in driving EABL’s ESG ambitions forward, positioning the company as a regional leader in sustainable business practices. Under her guidance, EABL has championed gender diversity, as evidenced by its recognition at the Women on Boards Network (WOBN) Awards, where the company was named Organisation of the Year in 2023. In 2024, EABL further distinguished itself by winning the Equal Representation and Participation, as well as the Empowerment of Women in the Community Awards at the 12th Africa Gender Mainstreaming Awards. Within its markets, KBL earned 2nd Runner Up in the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) Employer of the Year Awards for Responsible Business Conduct, while Serengeti Breweries (SBL) was honoured with the Employer of the Year Award by the Association of Tanzania Employers. Additionally, UBL was recognised as ESG Champion of the Year by the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda (PSFU). These accolades reflect EABL’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and sustainable workplace.
Karuku has also been a strong advocate for EABL’s engagement on the global stage. Her leadership saw the company actively participate in pivotal discussions at Africa Climate Week and the Water Resilience Coalition Forum in Davos in 2023 and 2024. Through these platforms, EABL has firmly established itself as a climate action leader, showcasing its capacity to address both local and global sustainability challenges.
EABL’s dedication to ESG practices through its ‘Spirit of Progress’ sustainability strategy represents more than just corporate responsibility – it exemplifies the future of business in East Africa. As it continues to innovate and expand its efforts, it is clear that EABL’s commitment to walking the talk in ESG is unwavering, and its influence will be felt far beyond its industry for years to come.
AUTHOR: EABL
EDITOR: MARTIN O’NEIL
