AB InBev moves into the second year of its Growing Retailers Innovatively Together (GRIT) program in Africa. Building on its initial success, in 2023, GRIT has expanded rapidly to seven African countries, now boasting over 6,500 trained retailers. The program aims to enhance entrepreneurial skills, stimulate business growth and create much-needed employment opportunities across the continent.
Increased investment in education fuels economic growth by equipping individuals with the skills needed to innovate, compete, and thrive in a dynamic market. By upskilling retailers, AB InBev empowers them to expand their businesses, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to their families and communities.
Emphasis for the training is placed on upskilling retail partners owned or run by women and the youth (above 18 years of age), as this demographic is the backbone of an economy.
Adu Rando, Managing Director for Nile Breweries in Uganda, says, “We strongly believe in driving and growing together with our partners, customers and consumers; as this is part of our culture. We need to invest time and energy in things we believe in, and we believe that we can only grow when our customers grow.”
“Very often we see that bar owners or shop owners have not had formal training, nor have they had formal education, so there is normally a gap in knowledge that we can help fill by running this program and the training sessions.”
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David Davidson from Black Lion Bar in Teshie Lascala, Ghana had this to add: “I’ve been challenged by certain things that even as a manager of this place I don’t know. But as part of this GRIT program, I’ve been able to gain new skills and have now acquired this knowledge to be able to change my business. This will also help me to train my employees”.
The GRIT program is customized by three key pillars, namely growth, education and inclusion. The program’s distinctive features include:
Growth
B2B platform access: Retailers gain access toAB InBev’s BEES platform, one of the world’s largest business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platforms, empowering more than 3.1 million SMEs in 20 countries with tools, technologies and training. The BEES platform is currently running in three of our African markets namely Tanzania, Uganda and most recently Ghana. Uganda BEES started a 3P Marketplace in cooperation with the Keshwala Group, adding over 50 non-beer SKU offerings to select regions of the country in year one.
Infrastructure support: Retailers receive essential infrastructure support, including electricity, Wi-Fi, sanitation and security where required.
Thais Cavinatto, Zambian Breweries Country Director says, “Retailers are the backbone of our business. Our success is tied to theirs, and we grow together. The GRIT program is designed to foster long-term partnerships by providing education, guidance, and the necessary resources for ongoing growth”.
Education
Business training: Tailored training in financial and stock management, marketing and sales, and responsible retailing.
Coaching and mentoring: A hybrid model of both in-person and online coaching and mentoring to support continuous entrepreneurial development.
Violet Zulu, a retailer from Bauleni, Zambia adds, “This is the first time I’ve attended this program and Zambian Breweries has taught me how to take care of my business, the finances, and my customers”.
Inclusion
Financial access: Participants are provided with access to bank accounts, insurance, credit, and cashless payment mechanisms.
Administrative support: Technical assistance with legislative compliance and harm-reduction guidelines.
Paul Lubuka, a bar owner in Uganda, says, “I really learned how to manage capital – and how to get capital and maintain stock, as well as how I can raise my capital in order to boost my business”.
Andrew Whiting, Vice President, Legal and Corporate Affairs at AB InBev, explains, “The name GRIT symbolizes our determination to work together to realize shared value with stakeholders. Achieving entrepreneurial development, business growth and sustainability for our retail partners requires grit and perseverance and ensures that AB InBev continues to create a future with more cheers.”
“Entrepreneurship is about supporting and uplifting small and medium-sized businesses across our value chain, from smallholder farmers to local retailers. Beyond mentorship, GRIT provides tangible resources like access to funding and cashless payment mechanisms. Strengthening our retailers strengthens their communities, enabling sustainable business growth across the continent,” he adds.
This year’s program has grown in terms of its engagement model, which was, at launch, available as an in classroom-only option and has now been enhanced with the offering of a hybrid training model.
Retailers can choose between in-person or online training via a GRIT digital app, which was launched in October 2024.
This makes it possible for more retailers to participate in the course and finish it at a time that works for them. This new model also aligns with AB InBev’s goal of embracing the digitalization journey.
“The empowerment program has been invaluable, showing me how to build strong relationships with my customers and select the right products to sell. I’ve also learned how to follow industry regulations and the importance of sourcing stock from reputable distributors,” says Kimberly Banda, a retailer from Matero, Zambia, another program participant.
Temitope Oguntokun, Legal and Corporate Affairs Director at International Breweries in Nigeria, adds, “To date we are very happy with the progress we are making with this initiative, which we piloted a year ago.”
“The essence of this program is to support our retailers as they are a major partner in our value chain. There has been positive feedback coming from our retailers who were trained in 2023 and 2024, and we plan to grow the program year-on-year to ensure greater impact in our communities.”
The GRIT program has been running from May, and, in October, we introduced the digital platform in seven of AB InBev’s African markets – Nigeria: International Breweries plc, Ghana: Accra Brewery plc, Zambia: Zambian Breweries Plc, Uganda: Nile Breweries Ltd, Tanzania: Tanzanian Breweries Limited, Mozambique: Cervejas de Mocambique (CDM) and Botswana: Kgalagadi Breweries Limited – with the aim of training all retailers in the organization’s supply chain.
Social-impact specialists will monitor the program’s KPIs and ongoing effects on communities and individuals.
About AB InBev
As the world’s leading brewer, we are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, dream big to move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in the world. We are committed to building a future that everyone can celebrate, and everyone can share. We’re dreaming big for a future with more cheers.
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