Tanzania: SABMiller takeover deal not to affect operations in Tanzania

SABMiller, the world's second-largest brewer trading as Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) in Tanzania, has assured Tanzanians that the takeover of the company by AB InBev will not affect operations in Tanzania, AllAfrica reported on July 1.

In an interview with the 'Daily News' in Dar es Salaam on June 30, SABMiller Africa Environment Manager, Muzi Chonco, said the sale of SABMiller's stake was a normal cycle of corporate groups in the world.

Mr Chonco who is in the country to, among other things, oversee operations of TBL, assured employees that the company's acquisition should not be perceived negatively, instead, it should be taken as a normal issue because even SABMiller which is the second-largest brewer became big after acquiring other companies.

On June 30, the South Africa's Competition Tribunal approved the blockbuster buyout of SABMiller by the world's top brewer AB InBev, subject to conditions, paving the way towards completion of the huge deal.

The company is scaling up its globally-recognised sustainable development programmes with a set of ambitious new targets to achieve by 2020. The business, which is recognised as a leader in embedding sustainability into its operations, intends to reduce carbon foot print, improve food security as well as achieve a world-class water efficient target, among others.

This new programme, branded Prosper, is the latest evolution of the company's approach to sustainable development, which is a key element of SABMiller's business strategy.

At its heart is supporting the role small businesses play around the world in generating economic growth and reducing poverty.

SABMiller is using its supply chains from farmers to retailers to drive inclusive growth, sustainable resource use and alcohol responsibility. On June 30, Mr Chonco said his company believes in partnership insisting that it had enough resources to help in delivering services to customers.

"We call for partnership from the government, donor community, Civil Society Organisations and the general public to support us. In Tanzania, Mr Chonco said his company was fully abiding by the environmental legislation saying that all the operations were guided by standard regulations.

"We will make sure that we put up a proper implementation plan and engage government officials in areas of compliance," he added. He said he came to Tanzania with a key message of sustainable development realisation particularly making sure that TBL projects are successful. He added: If Tanzanian communities will prosper our business will equally prosper."

Mr Chonco said by 2020, the company wants to see a productive world where as there will be promotion of sustainable agriculture, improving the well-being of the farming community as well as increasing employment opportunities.

03 July, 2016