NBL Timeline

On 20 October 1920, two German businessmen, Hermann Ohlthaver and Carl List, consolidated four breweries (Kronen Brauerei, Omaruru Brewery, Klein Windhoek Brewery and Felsenkeller Brewery) in what was then South-West Africa and formed South West Breweries Limited (SWB).

During the 1940’s the impact of World War II made it difficult to procure the best ingredients. Brewing was suspended rather than offering an inferior product.

Karl Werner, the son of original founder Carl List, takes full ownership of SWB.

The breweries acquired the Hansa Braurei in Swakopmund, making SWB the only national brewery in South-West Africa.

SWB’s success forced it to expand its production capacity and construction started on a new state-of-the-art brewery.

Windhoek Light is officially launched in South Africa.

Windhoek Lager Beer is offered in cans for the first time.

The new brewery is completed and Windhoek Lager Beer is allowed to be transported into South Africa for the first time.

In 1990, when Namibia gained independence, SWB changed its name to Namibia Breweries Limited, which is still its name today. The country’s independence also played a large role in opening further international markets for the brand.

NBL became a public-owned company in May 1996 when it listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange. The controlling shareholder in NBL is the O&L Group, a major Namibian conglomerate.

NBL formed a strategic partnership with Diageo and brewer Heineken, which is locally facilitated by Brandhouse Beverages (Proprietary) Limited. The joint endeavours commitment was reinforced with the formation of DHN Drinks (Proprietary) Limited in 2008.

Formation of DHN Drinks (Proprietary) Limited. DHN was responsible for the marketing, sale and distribution of the international beer and cider brands.

NBL installed a megawatt hybrid electricity system, which is the largest rooftop solar project to date in Africa.

King Lager was launched as Namibia’s first beer brand that contains home grown barley.

NBL restructured its joint venture in South Africa by increasing its stake in DHN Drinks to 25%. It also acquired
a 25% stake in the Sedibeng brewery in Johannesburg.

NBL acquired its first water brand, AquaSplash, from Namibia Diaries.

A biomass boiler is installed in Windhoek.

NBL achieves a 30% water savings target.