BRALIMA started its operations with the production of the first Primus bottle. Primus was the only beer sold in the Rwandan market until 1987.

In 1960, BRALIMA, was converted from a Congolese company into a Belgian company.

In 1963, BRALIRWA S.A.R.L. was created and incorporated as a Rwandan company.

HEINEKEN N.V., the international brewer, acquired a majority equity stake (70%) in the Company. With the acquisition, the Company greatly improved its brewing process.

The Company diversified into the sparkling beverages business in 1974 when it started to produce The Coca-Cola Company products (i.e. Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite) under license.

BRALIRWA was incorporated as a public company “BRALIRWA S.A.” (Reg No: RC 001/76), under the Laws of the Republic of Rwanda

The Company started importation of Amstel beer brand from BRARUDI in the Republic of Burundi, before it started local production of the beer in 2006.

The year 2007 marked the launch of Primus Ntoya in the 33cl bottle.

In 2008, the technical capacity at the brewery (Gisenyi) was increased with the installation of 5 additional fermentation tanks and an upgrade of the bottling line to meet the demand. 

In 2009, the Company celebrated 50 years in existence and launched a new logo reflecting BRALIRWA’s energy and dynamism.

BRALIRWA S.A. was converted into a Public Limited Company (PLC) by shares and registered with the Registrar General’s Office under the company code 100004348 pursuant to the Rwandan Law relating to Companies, and is domiciled in Rwanda.

Following its investments in production capacity, improved sales execution and intensified marketing activities, the Company will record the highest sales volume ever in its history with an expected volume of at least 1.3 million hectoliters of beer and sparkling beverages.

BRALIRWA is one of the largest companies and the highest taxpayer in Rwanda. The Company estimates that it has approximately 94% market share of the commercial beer market and 99% of the sparkling beverages market in Rwanda.