Heineken Ethiopia

Company Description

Heineken Ethiopia is a leading brewer operating in Ethiopia since 2011, with three breweries producing a portfolio of seven alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands. As one of the country’s largest taxpayers, the company plays a significant role in Ethiopia’s economy while actively advancing social and environmental sustainability initiatives aligned with Heineken’s global commitments.

Team

The Derash Housing initiative is led by Heineken Ethiopia’s Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility function. The project is overseen by the Sustainability & CSR Manager, supported by internal teams responsible for community engagement, project coordination, and partnerships with local stakeholders and authorities. The team combines corporate governance standards with strong local implementation capacity to deliver measurable social impact.

Countries of Operation

Ethiopia

Ownership of Company

European Company (100% European ownership)

Number of years since incorporated

15 Years

Stage

Growth stage

Annual Revenue (in EUR)

EUR 10,000,000 – 100,000,000

Number of employees

101–500

Project Pitch

The Derash Housing Project is a community-impact initiative addressing Addis Ababa’s acute housing shortage, where an estimated 68% of residents still live in slum conditions. Rapid urbanisation, fiscal constraints, and limited public housing capacity have made access to dignified housing increasingly difficult for low-income communities.

Launched in 2020, Derash—an Amharic word meaning “standing with the destitute during hardship”—focuses on two national priorities: providing standard housing for marginalized communities and creating construction-related employment opportunities in Addis Ababa. The project supports the rehabilitation and provision of safe housing while contributing to improved health, dignity, and living standards.

Through Derash, Heineken Ethiopia leverages its corporate resources and partnerships to complement public efforts, delivering tangible social value and supporting inclusive urban development in line with its long-term sustainability strategy.

Total Project Cost (in EUR)

EUR 230,000

Financing needs (in EUR)

EUR 230,000

Type of financing needed

Grant / Financial support for community impact

Planned allocation of fundraising capital

Community impact project (housing provision and job creation)