BRALIRWA, Rwanda’s leading beverage company, was established in 1957 and has since developed into one of the country’s most prominent and recognizable corporate names.

In 1959, BRALIRWA introduced Primus, still the country’s most popular beer and a fixture of social life.

In 1971, the company was acquired by Heineken N.V., strengthening its technical base, and in 1974 it expanded into soft drinks under license from The Coca-Cola Company, building a broad beverage portfolio.

Today, BRALIRWA is Rwanda’s largest producer of beers and soft drinks and has been its largest taxpayer since 2008.

Its capital markets journey began in 2011 when it became the first company to list on the Rwanda Stock Exchange, a milestone for the country’s equity market.

As the RSE marks its 15th anniversary, BRALIRWA’s performance reflects that foundation.

Shares were priced at Rwf136 at IPO. By publication, the share price today stands at Rwf420. By 2024, the company had distributed a cumulative Rwf170.4 billion in dividends.

These figures reflect sustained profitability and shared value. Dividends have delivered returns to pension funds and individual investors, while share price growth has strengthened long-term savings and confidence in Rwanda’s capital markets.

Beyond the market, BRALIRWA employs more than 1,000 people, supports over 3,000 farmers, and sustains a wide network of suppliers and distributors, alongside CSR initiatives including HEINEKEN Africa Foundation projects.

With 11 consecutive accident-free years at its soft drinks plant and four at the Gisenyi brewery, safety remains central to its operations.

From 1957 to 2026, BRALIRWA’s rise reflects resilience, disciplined growth and a lasting contribution to Rwanda’s economy.