Project description

Southern Sudan Beverages Limited (“SSBL” or the “Company”) is a newly established company that is majority-owned by SAB Miller Plc. SSBL has embarked on a $61 million beer production and soft drinks/water Project in Juba, South Sudan. The Company has successfully completed in May 2009 the beer production plant. The proceeds of the loan to be provided by IFC shall be used to finance SSBL expansion program that includes: (i) construction, equipping and placing into operation of a soft drink and water bottling facility, to be located within the existing premises of SSBL in Juba, South Sudan; (ii) a Waste water Treatment Facility also to be established within the existing premises of SSBL; (iii) the funding of the working capital requirements; (iv) debt refinancing; and, (v) the funding for maintenance of bottles, coolers and crates (hereafter referred as the “Project”). 

Southern Sudan Beverages Ltd (SSBL) commissioned its brewery in Juba, South Sudan in 2009. Through this brewery, SSBL brews South Sudan's first locally produced beer, White Bull Lager, specifically brewed to meet the tastes of the Southern Sudanese consumer. It also produces, bottles and distributes Nile Special and carbonated soft drinks.

The main purpose of the Project is to meet the demand of the beverage sector in Southern Sudan that is currently being met by imports from the neighboring countries, thereby result in significant foreign exchange savings, reduced retail prices due to the local presence and the development of local brands.

Project sponsor and major shareholders of project company

SAB Miller plc (“SAB Miller” or the “Sponsor”) through a Mauritius registered company – SAB Miller Investments Limited owns 100% of SSBL.

Total project cost and amount and nature of IFC's investment

The total Project cost is estimated at $61 million. The proposed IFC investment is $20 million senior loan in SSBL for IFC’s own account to support the soft drink/water component and the Wastewater Treatment Plant of the overall Project.

Location of project and description of site

SSBL is located in Juba, the capital city of Southern Sudan. The site is strategically well placed to serve urban areas in Southern Sudan, such as Juba, Wau, Rumbek and Bor.