The Bralirwa Brewery of Rwanda knows all about corporate social responsibility and how crucially important it is for both their business, and the country in which it is based. But let’s back up a bit. What exactly is corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Sven Piederiet, the managing director of Bralirwa Brewery, describes it as a corporation’s obligation as a money making enterprise to give back to society in whatever way it can, as well as playing an important role in the economic social development of the country. It just so happens that in Bralirwa’s case, they take their responsibility to give back extremely seriously.

They are involved in a number of outstanding projects in this regard. The fifty-year-old company, a subsidiary of Heineken International, is the largest company in Rwanda. As such, it has perhaps the greatest determination to give back in some way. Bralirwa realises this and has taken tremendous steps to integrate themselves into the local society. For example, the company used to import all the raw materials used in the production of their beer from overseas. However, since that does not contribute to the local economy, Bralirwa has taken it upon themselves to substitute these imported materials with a local supply. By helping to develop maize growing with local entrepreneurs, they have started a local maize growing project which ensures that it is only the local economy which benefits from their business.

Another example of Bralirwa’s impressive endeavors towards being socially responsible is the hospital located at the brewery. Here, Bralirwa employees and their families can be treated free of charge. The rationale behind this is that it is not only important to give back to their employees, but it is important for the company itself to make sure that their staff members are in good health.

Charity work is a crucial component of Bralirwa’s corporate social responsibility scheme. They support the Rwandan Genocide Memorial, tree planting initiatives, health initiatives as well as offering support to local schools.

Bralirwa understands that by giving back to a society, you can not only improve the lives of individuals, but the business itself. This idea is clearly demonstrated in their prize draw to win solar-powered lamps. This draw not only helped to promote their beer, but since many of their customers are living in countries without electricity, by giving away these lamps Bralirwa helps to “brighten” the lives of others.

Further CSR-based projects at Bralirwa include supporting a local primary school, which their employee’s children can attend. Not only is it important to ensure that their Bralirwa employees know that their children are receiving a good education, but by supporting a school Bralirwa are ensuring that a future generation of Rwandans have a solid start in life. A waste water treatment plant, is another Braliwa initiative that allows the brewey to carry on their production activities while respecting the environment. Environmental awareness is another important element in Bralirwa’s quest to be socially responsible.

The company firmly believes in the protection of the earth and Braliwa’s water treatment plant ensures that these core values are upheld. Bralirwa stands as a shining example of what a socially responsible business can achieve, and one hopes that more businesses adopt their approach in the future. After all, if a business thinks about others as well as the business itself, everybody wins.

“Our hope for the future would be that our small examples will lead to an awareness in the society that not only will our consumers, but also the clients, the suppliers and the banks, see this as a way to be socially responsible from a private, corporate side… that they will follow the example and that, of course, they will be proud to consume our products knowing that the whole sector around this company is corporate socially responsible.” – Sven Piederiet.