Skol marks its 15th anniversary of operations in Rwanda

SKOL Brewery Ltd (SBL) celebrated, on Tuesday, its 15th anniversary of commitment to quality, innovation, and positive impact in Rwanda.

Since launching its operations in 2009, Skol has grown into a key player in the beverage industry, introducing popular brands such as Skol Malt, Skol Lager, Virunga Beer, Panache, Maltona, and Gatanu, as well as Virunga Water, the country’s first bottled water in returnable glass bottles.

Through continued investment, the brewery has contributed to strengthening Rwanda’s economic landscape and made significant contributions through annual tax revenues, job creation, and export growth. Today, SBL employs over 570 direct and indirect staff and supports thousands more through its extended supply chain, further boosting the country’s economic resilience.

Skol CEO Thibault Relecom emphasized the brewery’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. “We are proud to be part of the development of the company and the country. This milestone is a testament to our employees' dedication, our customers' trust, and the strong partnerships we have built,” he told the media.

“Our journey has been driven by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. As we look to the future, we remain focused on growth, sustainability, and creating lasting impact.”

During the event, Eric Gilson, General Manager of SKOL Brewery Ltd., expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed the brewery’s commitment to Rwanda.

"As we celebrate 15 years of growth, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for creating a conducive business environment that has allowed us to thrive and contribute to the national economy,” Gilson said during the event.

The company has pioneered eco-friendly packaging with returnable glass bottles and implemented water conservation measures with its wastewater treatment plant that converts wastewater into biogas and allows water re-usage, significantly reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing energy efficiency.

Beyond its commitment to sustainability, over the past 15 years, Skol has actively contributed to community development through impactful CSR initiatives in education, health, and economic empowerment.

In collaboration with partners such as UTAB, FXB Rwanda and Rayon Sports, the brewery has invested in youth development and sports infrastructure, including the construction of a Skol football pitch in Nzove, a basketball pitch at UTAB, and direct support for player development in cycling and football mostly. These efforts reflect SBL’s broader vision of fostering long-term social and economic growth in Rwanda.

The 15th-anniversary celebration brought together key stakeholders, government representatives, business leaders, and community members to reflect on shared achievements and reaffirm SBL’s commitment aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050. Guests experienced a guided brewery tour, witnessing SBL’s state-of-the-art brewing processes, sustainability efforts, and ongoing innovation.

The event also included a special recognition ceremony to honour long-standing distributors who have been instrumental in SBL’s growth since its inception, celebrating their dedication and invaluable contribution to the company’s success.

Photo: Skol celebrated its 15th anniversary of operations in Rwanda.