Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (Heineken) has officially reached an agreement to transfer its ownership to Sierra Bottling Group (SBG), a subsidiary of African Bottling Group Limited (ABG), marking a significant shift in the country’s beverage industry.

The transition follows extensive consultations involving the management of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress. These discussions focused on finalizing the transition plan, ensuring the timely payment of employees’ end-of-service benefits, and maintaining industrial peace between management and the workforce.

Addressing employees at the SLBL Canteen on Tuesday, 19 August, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mr. Swaray, reiterated the government’s commitment to a smooth and fair transition. He urged staff to remain cooperative throughout the process, assuring them that all legal entitlements under the Employment Act would be honored within the stipulated timelines.

Representatives from SLBL management also pledged their full cooperation, emphasizing their commitment to comply with all relevant provisions of Sierra Leone’s labour laws during the ownership transfer.

The agreement is expected to strengthen operations under Sierra Bottling Group while safeguarding employees’ rights and promoting industrial harmony during this period of change.