From the far reaches of South Africa to Namibia, a new beer revolution is bubbling up. Craft breweries are sprouting up across the continent, giving rise to a beer landscape never before seen in Africa. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the booming beer scene, from what's powering the proliferation of craft breweries to the styles of beer being produced and where to find them.
Beer connoisseurs have long dismissed Africa as the lost land of Pilsners due to its proliferation of corporate breweries. But a burgeoning craft beer scene in Namibia and South Africa isn't the only indication of the start of a new era. There's a beer boom in Southern Africa, with new craft breweries from Angola to Zimbabwe–and everything in between. So what's behind the recent surge in beer production in these countries–and what can be said about the current state of craft beer in the region?
Africa has a long, rich history of beer production, with evidence of beer brewing going back millennia. In the last century however, much of Africa's beer industry has been dominated by the big global brewers. Companies like South African Breweries, Nigeria's Guinness, Carling Black Label, and the Castel Group have all had significant control of the local beer markets.
This situation started to change in the early 2000s with the emergence of more independent breweries in the form of microbreweries and craft brewers. These brewers began to experiment with new styles and flavors, and soon craft beer bars, beer festivals, and bottle shops began popping up all over the continent.
The craft beer scene in Southern Africa has really taken off in the last few years. This is largely due to a combination of factors including the availability of high-quality ingredients, increased consumer demand for craft beer, and a more accepting attitude towards independent brewers from the various governments in the region.
The increased demand for craft beer can be attributed to a growing middle class with more disposable income, as well as the rise of social media platforms, which have been instrumental in getting the message out about the benefits of craft beer. The availability of high-quality ingredients is in part due to the fact that many major suppliers of ingredients and equipment, both locally and internationally, are now operating in the region.
There's a range of exciting new breweries and styles emerging in the Southern African beer scene. Namibia and South Africa are leading the way, with breweries producing a range of IPAs, lagers, and stouts. There have also been a number of successful collaborations with international breweries, resulting in some interesting local takes on popular overseas beers.
Angola, Zambia, and Mozambique are rapidly becoming hotbeds for craft beer, with the latter two in particular producing a range of styles that combine traditional African flavors with modern brewing techniques. Maize beer is still popular in many of these countries, and wheat beer is also starting to gain traction. Zimbabwe has seen a boom in craft brewery construction, with a number of brewers focusing on Belgian and German styles.
The future of African beer looks bright. The wave of new craft breweries and bars in the region have provided a platform for experimentation, with brewers creating small-batch, flavor-forward beers that are garnering interest and praise both locally and globally. The craft beer scene in the region is still in its infancy, but the potential for growth and innovation is huge.
The shift in consumer demand towards craft beer is encouraging future investment, with established international craft breweries beginning to move into new markets. Local brewers are responding to this by creating more niche beers–such as low-calorie beers, gluten-free beers, and beers that incorporate local ingredients–in order to remain competitive.
The success of craft beer in Southern Africa has even sparked the attention of larger brewers, who are now looking to take advantage of the increased demand for innovative and interesting beers. With the region's brewing industry continuing to grow and expand, the future of African beer looks bright.
If you're looking to experience the best of African beer, then here are some of the must-try beers from the region: