AGP Executive Report

Counterfeit Crackdown (Nigeria): NAFDAC says it destroyed fake regulated products worth over N1.5tn and secured 64 convictions between June 2025 and June 2026, with 47,830 facilities under surveillance; it also renewed calls for harsher penalties for counterfeiters, even proposing death or life imprisonment. Regional Trade & Agrifood (SA–Zimbabwe): A South Africa–Zimbabwe business forum highlighted agriculture’s role in value addition and trade balance, noting SA exported about US$1.2bn in agricultural goods to Zimbabwe in 2025. Beverage Exports (Namibia): Namibia’s beverage exports are led by alcohol, with beer shipments (11,000–13,000 hectolitres monthly) mainly going to SADC markets; South Africa takes over 30% and can absorb up to 70% in some months. Brewing Leadership (Nigeria & Tanzania): Champion Breweries appointed Malolan Sampath as CEO, while SBC Tanzania promoted Himanshu Shekhar to CEO as it expands production and PET capacity. Industry & Packaging (West Africa): Propak West Africa 2026 returns to Lagos (Sept 8–10) to showcase packaging, plastics, printing, labelling and food processing innovations. Road Safety & Alcohol Policy (South Africa): Support is growing for a zero blood-alcohol limit as SAB backs proposed amendments to curb drinking and driving. Casino Restructuring (South Africa): Sun International launched “Casino Lite,” triggering Section 189 consultations that could affect about 327 jobs, alongside plans to grow insourced food and beverage outlets. Tourism & Food Signals (South Africa): Data Appeal reports food and beverage sentiment at 87.8 among international visitors, reinforcing that meals are becoming a key part of the South African tourism experience.

Food Safety & Regulation: Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) is mobilising residents and food operators for the 2026 Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition on Sept. 8 in Alausa-Ikeja, themed “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” to push safer practices and tighter collaboration. Public Health & Sugar Reform: Nigerian food scientists and stakeholders, backed by the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology and the International Sweeteners Association, are urging science-based ways to cut sugar without harming food safety, as diabetes cases are put at 11.2 million. Beverage Industry Leadership: Champion Breweries Plc has formally installed Malolan Sampath as CEO from Sept. 1, bringing 26+ years of beverage and FMCG leadership across Africa. Coffee Value Addition: Tanzania Coffee Board is urging farmers to turn coffee waste and by-products into commercial products, expanding training to raise earnings across the value chain. South Africa Food Prices: South Africa’s Competition Commission warns it may investigate price gouging after finding essential goods remain at record highs even as some input costs ease, with food for lower-income households still climbing. Hospitality & Drinks Growth: A new look at Sub-Saharan Africa’s beverage alcohol outlook points to steady volume growth, with RTDs and spirits leading momentum. Market Watch: Uber shut down its Nigerian ride-hailing operation on Sept. 2, while positioning via its proposed Delivery Hero/Glovo deal that includes multiple African markets.

Leadership Change (Beverages): Nigeria’s Champion Breweries has named Malolan Sampath as Managing Director/CEO, effective 1 September 2026, as the brewer pushes its next growth and transformation phase. Manufacturing Recognition (Alcohol): Tanzania’s Serengeti Breweries (SBL) won President’s Manufacturer of the Year in the Alcoholic Beverages—Large Scale category, citing local sourcing and sustainable production upgrades. Food Safety (Nigeria): Former VP Yemi Osinbajo says a lab test found freshly squeezed orange juice consumed by his wife was “not fit for human consumption,” raising renewed concerns about chemicals used on fruits and vegetables. Retail Pricing Watch (South Africa): South Africa’s Competition Commission warned it may investigate price gouging after its Cost of Living Report found food and other essentials staying at record highs even as some input costs eased. Hospitality Expansion (Zimbabwe): Hilton signed an agreement for its first Zimbabwe hotel—Hilton Garden Inn Harare Highlands (140 rooms)—slated to open in early 2029. Value Chain Focus (South Africa): Tiger Brands CEO Tjaart Kruger urged a stronger, connected agricultural-to-food value chain to protect food security and competitiveness. Digital Shift (Ethiopia): Ethiopia’s traditional Kircha shared-meat purchasing system is moving toward digital platforms, changing how communities plan and execute holiday meat purchases. Food & Delivery Business (Africa): Uber shut down ride-hailing in Nigeria and exited Uganda, while its proposed Delivery Hero/Glovo deal would bring Uber into delivery operations across multiple African markets.

Competition Watch: South Africa’s Competition Commission warns it may investigate price gouging after finding “rocket and feather” pricing keeps food and other essentials at record highs even as producer costs ease, with staples like canned pilchards, eggs, chicken, bread, sunflower oil and maize meal still pricey. Energy Shock Spillover: A separate analysis says petrol and diesel increases will ripple through transport and food costs via the multiplier effect, hitting restaurants, retailers and small businesses as growth stays weak. Digital Food Culture: Ethiopia’s Enkutatash holiday tradition of Kircha (shared ox purchases) is moving online, as digital tools reshape how communities organize slaughter and meat sharing. Food Safety Alarm (Nigeria): Yemi Osinbajo says lab tests found freshly squeezed orange juice prepared by his wife was “not fit for human consumption,” after she reported strange headaches. Hospitality & Drinks: Hilton signs for its first Zimbabwe hotel (Hilton Garden Inn Harare Highlands); Tanzania’s Serengeti Breweries wins President’s Manufacturer of the Year; and Pilot launches an AI layer for South African restaurants to query trading data in plain language. Regulation & Counterfeits: Nigeria’s NAFDAC and SON face renewed scrutiny as social media exposes counterfeit food, drugs and cosmetics. Alcohol Crackdown (SA): Limpopo police seize R525,000 worth of dagga and confiscate multiple alcohol and other goods in Musina.

TVET-Industry Push (Kenya): Kenya is urging universities and TVET institutions to deepen ties with industry, with a proposed 60% of training done through workplace attachments and 40% in class to close skills gaps and boost employability. Brewing Wins (Tanzania): Serengeti Breweries (SBL) won the President’s Manufacturer of the Year Award for Large-Scale Alcoholic Beverages, citing local sourcing, efficiency, and sustainability efforts. Leadership Change (Nigeria): Champion Breweries named Malolan Sampath as Managing Director/CEO from 1 September, bringing 26+ years across beverage and FMCG roles in Africa. Hospitality Tech (South Africa): Pilot launched an AI “Navigator” for restaurant operators to query trading data in plain language, aiming to spot pricing anomalies and protect margins. Counterfeit Crackdown (Nigeria): NAFDAC and SON faced renewed scrutiny as social media exposes fake and substandard food, drugs, and drinks, with calls for stronger enforcement. Alcohol Enforcement (South Africa): Limpopo police seized R525,000 worth of dagga and arrested 62 undocumented foreign nationals, alongside liquor and expired-goods seizures. Energy Drink Safety (Cuba): Reports highlight heavy consumption of “Shaka” energy drink in Cuba and question its origin and regulation. Beverage Investment (India): Tilaknagar Industries invested US$2.3m in Black Tiger Distilleries for a 30% stake to expand 100% agave tequila access in India. Regulatory Pressure (Nigeria/Industry): A separate push targets illicit alcohol cartels as Kenya’s MP calls for action against illegal alcohol trade.

Business & Food Demand: Nigeria’s Current Business Performance Index rose to 112.7 in August (from 108.6 in July), with manufacturing leading and agriculture stable—good news for food and beverage supply chains, even as cost pressures and prices stay elevated. Food Safety & Alcohol Enforcement: South Africa’s Limpopo police seized R525,000 worth of dagga and also cracked down on unlicensed liquor and expired goods, while other reports this week point to ongoing action against counterfeit alcohol. Waste-to-Energy Push: Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa witnessed an EPC deal for a waste-to-energy plant, aiming to improve refuse collection and turn waste into usable power. Tourism That Spends: KwaZulu-Natal recorded a 29.1% jump in international arrivals through ports of entry, but authorities are urging hotels, restaurants and attractions to convert footfall into real spend. Wine & Heritage: South Africa’s Sémillon Gris was formally recognised by the OIV as a Cape-origin grape, adding momentum for local wine branding. Hospitality Investment: Nigeria’s manufacturers urged a credit guarantee and FX clearance window to protect jobs—an indirect but important lever for food, beverage and hospitality demand.

Industrial Pressure on Nigeria’s Food & Beverage: The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is urging a dedicated credit guarantee and a prioritized foreign-exchange clearance window to stop job losses, warning that labour-intensive manufacturing is still contracting even as headline GDP grows; it flags weak consumer purchasing power and food inflation as key drags on the Food, Beverage and Tobacco segment. Kenya Dairy Squeeze: Prolonged dry weather is cutting fodder and pushing up costs, with formal milk deliveries to processors down from 84.4m litres in June to 81.3m in July, threatening supply to processors and retailers. Kenya Illicit Alcohol Crackdown: Kenya’s MP Mukunji is calling for tougher action against illicit alcohol cartels, pushing enforcement beyond small-scale producers to dismantle financing networks. Zimbabwe Beer Expansion: Varun Beverages Zimbabwe will launch Carlsberg beer distribution from Sept 20, with local brewing planned for next year. Kenya Industrialisation Push (Soda Ash): A policy push argues Kenya has “exported jobs for too long” and should move Magadi soda ash into local glass and chemical manufacturing. South Africa Tourism Momentum: KwaZulu-Natal recorded a 29.1% jump in international arrivals through ports of entry, but authorities want that footfall to translate into longer stays and more spending. Morocco Food Import Links: Atacadão Morocco is seeking direct ties with Brazilian suppliers for coffee, rice and confectionery, aiming to cut middlemen and tailor products to local demand. Drinks Market Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa: IWSR says the region is a major long-term opportunity for drinks, but producers must navigate structural volatility and crowded local competition.

Milk Shortage Hits Kenya’s Chai Culture: Nairobi restaurants and shoppers are feeling the pinch as a milk shortage leaves supermarket chilled shelves nearly empty, pushing up prices and forcing purchase limits; drought is blamed, but regulators also cite “supply constraints” and low stock levels, threatening the daily milky-tea ritual. Industrial Slowdown Warning (Nigeria): The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria says Q2 2026 GDP growth is being masked by a weakening real sector, with industrial growth nearly halving and manufacturing’s share slipping, arguing prosperity must be anchored in domestic manufacturing. Brewing Leadership Change (Nigeria): Champion Breweries has confirmed Malolan Sampath as Managing Director and CEO from 1 September 2026 as the brewer navigates currency swings and rising input costs. Food & Beverage Innovation (West Africa): Propak West Africa 2026 in Lagos (Sept 8–10) will spotlight packaging, plastics, labelling and food processing tech, aiming to help manufacturers cut costs, boost productivity and improve sustainability. Dairy Packaging & Nutrition Push (Pakistan, global relevance): Tetra Pak urges Pakistan to strengthen food-safety laws and taxation to keep nutritious products safe, affordable and reach consumers efficiently. Enzyme Investment (Africa-linked supply chains): Novonesis plans a €600m enzyme facility expansion in Patalganga, targeting food and beverage biosolutions and bringing production closer to Middle East, India and Africa markets. Kenya Trade & Manufacturing Showcase (Uganda angle): Uganda’s manufacturing sector is highlighted as a key economic driver ahead of the 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair, with food and beverage among the exhibitor categories.

Alcohol Market Outlook: IWSR forecasts Sub-Saharan Africa beverage alcohol volumes to rise +2% CAGR through 2035, with RTDs up +11% in 2025 and spirits +6%, while beer edges up +1% and wine slips -3%; the report flags “downtrading” and rapid growth in smaller, cheaper pack formats as affordability drives shifts toward local brands and informal options. Livestock & Food Security Push: Ministers from eight countries pledged at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali to scale livestock value chains, unlock investment, and expand trade, aiming to close Africa’s food-import gap and boost animal-source foods as demand is projected to surge by 2050. Enzymes for Food & Beverage: Novonesis plans a €600m expansion of its Patalganga enzyme site in India, adding capacity for food and beverage customers alongside biofuels and household care, with the new facility targeted to be fully operational by 2030. Illicit Alcohol Crackdown: NACADA raids in Kenya seized thousands of counterfeit alcoholic products, underscoring ongoing enforcement against unsafe, fake drinks. Heritage Food Moment: South Africa’s National Koe’sister Day (Sept 6) spotlights Cape Malay cooking with a classic recipe plus five creative twists.

Food Systems & Innovation: CGIAR showcased scalable, investment-ready climate resilience, digital agriculture and nutrition innovations at Rwanda’s Africa Food Systems Forum, including yield gains in Ethiopia, yield boosts for women farmers in Kenya, and a financing model unlocking $1.5bn across Nigeria, Ethiopia and the DRC. Retail & Groceries: South Africa’s Shoprite reported 7.2% merchandise sales growth to R270.8bn for the year to 28 June 2026, with Supermarkets RSA up 7.1% and Sixty60 sales rising 34.5% to R25.5bn. Restaurant Tech: Pilot launched Navigator, an AI layer for South African restaurants that turns POS data into instant answers on sales trends, supplier pricing anomalies and menu profitability. Illicit Alcohol Crackdown: Kenya’s NACADA and partners seized 4,000+ counterfeit alcoholic products in Kayole, Nairobi, arresting two suspects as authorities target distribution hubs. Agri-Industry Investment: Novonesis will invest €600m (₹6,660 crore) to expand its Patalganga enzyme facility in India, with output aimed at food and beverage among other sectors. Workforce Shock for Delivery: Uber says it will cut about 10% of staff and exit Nigeria and Uganda, citing a push to make the platform “simpler and faster.”

Shoprite’s Coffee Push: South Africa’s Shoprite says it’s buying Vida e Caffè (and R&A Cellular) in a deal worth about $62m, aiming to deepen its coffee and convenience play with Vida’s 400+ outlets across several African countries. Alcohol Crackdown in Kenya: NACADA and partners seized 4,000+ counterfeit alcoholic drinks in Kayole, arresting two suspects, as Kenya steps up enforcement against fake and unsafe alcohol. Nairobi Dining Buzz: Nairobi Burger Week is in its final stretch with 400+ restaurants running special menus through Sept 6, driven by social recommendations and food discovery culture. Fermented Foods Go Local: A kimchi-making workshop in Kenya is drawing growing interest, with participants citing health benefits and a wider appetite for new fermented foods. Sustainability in Brewing Supply Chains: Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) becomes the first Kenyan manufacturer to earn EDGE Advanced certification, reporting major cuts in energy, water and building-material impact at its Tatu City plant. Beverage Industry Investment: Novonesis plans a ₹6,660 crore expansion of its Patalganga enzyme facility, with food and beverage enzymes among the outputs, targeting full operations by 2030. Leadership Change at Champion Breweries: Champion Breweries appoints Malolan Sampath as MD/CEO effective Sept 1, as it enters a growth and transformation phase.

NAFDAC Crackdown Sparks Lagos Protest: Lagos retailers hit back at Nigeria’s sachet alcohol ban, saying raids and confiscations are wiping out working capital and pushing traders into loan stress. Coffee Retail Push: Shoprite is set to buy more than 400 Vida e Caffè stores, betting its supply-chain scale will help it win the fast-growing “coffee on-the-go” market. Counterfeit Alcohol Crackdown in Nairobi: Nacada arrested 11 people and seized counterfeit drinks in a multi-agency operation, citing fake KRA excise stamps and expired or uncoded products. Kenya Tightens Border Rules: Kenya published a list of goods banned from import/export under EAC customs law, including counterfeit currency, narcotic drugs, mercury cosmetics and certain distilled beverages. Borrowing Costs Still Bite Manufacturers: Nigeria’s manufacturers paid average interest rates above 30% in 2025, with food, beverage and tobacco at about 32.5%. Kenya Competition Case on Beer Deal: Kenya’s High Court allows CAK to continue reviewing Diageo’s stake sale in EABL to Asahi, but completion waits for the court challenge. Tourism & Food Moments: South Africa’s Tourism Month gets a local getaway guide, with packages that may or may not include meals and activities.

Cross-Border Controls: Rwanda and Kenya both published official lists of goods banned from import/export, including counterfeit currency, adult materials, white-phosphorus matches, mercury cosmetics, used tyres, hazardous waste, narcotics, and counterfeit goods—tightening consumer protection and public health rules. Food Security Pressure: Kenya’s food import bill jumped 20.6% in Jan–Jun to Sh169.02bn as drought and crop failure bite, raising the prospect of renewed maize imports. Alcohol Crackdown: Kenya’s NACADA seized counterfeit and unsafe alcohol in Nairobi, arresting 11 and targeting fake KRA excise stamps and uncoded/expired products. Retail & QSR Expansion: South Africa’s Shoprite is buying R&A Cellular (payments tech for informal retailers) and has agreed to acquire coffee chain Vida e Caffè (about 400 shops), pushing deeper into coffee and quick-service dining. Brewing Deal Review: Kenya’s competition regulator can continue reviewing Diageo’s 65% EABL stake sale to Asahi, but the transaction can’t close until court matters are resolved. Corporate Earnings Watch: RCL Foods reported a sharp earnings drop, blaming imported sugar pressure and pet food disruptions. Restaurant Growth & Culture: Lorna Maseko is bringing South African cuisine to Atlanta with an eKhaya dinner residency, while Bonchon was acquired by Minor Food and Serruya Private Equity to accelerate expansion.

Illicit Alcohol Crackdown: East African Breweries Limited (EABL) has published an authorised distributor list across Kenya to help retailers and consumers avoid counterfeit and untaxed alcohol, after a study cited illicit alcohol at 60% of market volume in 2024 and flagged rapid growth since 2022. Prison Drug Smuggling Case: Nigeria’s Ogun State Correctional Service says a woman was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle “Colos” into a death-row inmate via a sachet hidden in Milo beverage powder, with the suspect handed to NDLEA for prosecution. Food Prices Watch: Kenya’s inflation rose to 6.6% in August, driven mainly by food and non-alcoholic beverages (up 9%) alongside transport costs (15.7%). Tourism & Hospitality Expansion: Time Out launched Time Out Durban, expanding its South African city coverage into KwaZulu-Natal with content spanning food, drink and nightlife. Trade & Agri-Food Links: Malaysia’s MAHA Trade Days 2026 opened with 14 MoUs worth RM1.49bn and a stated push to deepen cooperation with Africa, highlighting coffee, cocoa, pineapple and durian.

Kenya Inflation Watch: Kenya’s consumer prices rose to 6.6% in August, driven mainly by food/non-alcoholic beverages (up 9%) and transport (up 15.7%), with maize flour, tomatoes and fortified maize flour easing month-on-month. Illicit Alcohol Crackdown: Kenya’s NACADA and partners seized 240 counterfeit alcoholic drinks with fake KRA excise stamps in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, arresting one suspect as raids continue across Nairobi hotspots. South Africa Food & Jobs: Stats SA highlights a workplace gender divide: women make up 44% of employed people overall, but are concentrated in personal services, accommodation, food & beverages, and retail—while construction, mining and transport remain male-heavy. Nigeria Alcohol Policy: Nigeria launched a 2026–2030 national alcohol policy as NAFDAC orders recalls and destruction of sachet and sub-200ml alcohol packs, warning manufacturers of fines and possible facility closures. Earnings Pressure: RCL Foods reported weaker results for the year to June 2026, blaming imported sugar volumes for pressure on its sugar business. Food Culture & Dining: Cape Town’s East City continues to draw attention with chefs reinventing Afrikaans and Cape Malay cooking at Belly of the Beast.

Packaging & Food Processing Expo: Propak West Africa returns to Lagos (8–10 Sept), spotlighting packaging, plastics, labelling and food processing tech for efficiency and sustainability. Water Resilience for Industry: Water Security Africa Johannesburg (28–29 Oct) co-located with the C&I Energy + Storage Summit will push investment-ready solutions for water reuse, decentralised infrastructure and bankable projects. Sugar Policy Watch: South Africa raised its sugar import protection benchmark (DBRP) to US$785/tonne, easing pressure on local growers but industry warns it may still not stop import displacement. Brewing & Revenue: Nigeria’s listed brewers posted N1.45tn revenue in H1 2026 (+8.6%), led by Nigerian Breweries’ N803.68bn (+8.9%). Counterfeit Sugar Crackdown: Zimbabwe’s ZACC arrested a woman in Harare over alleged sugar repackaging with fake Tongaat Hulett branding (3,600kg seized). Alcohol Integrity Push: Kenya’s NACADA stepped up action against adulterated alcohol, including seizures of counterfeit drinks in Nairobi. Tourism & Food Link: Tanzania won major World Travel Awards, reinforcing safari and coastal demand that supports hospitality and food supply chains. Food Sector Growth Signals: Stats SA reports food sector income up 8.4% as takeaways surge. Industry/Brand Moves: Taco Bell is set to return to the UAE after 14 years via Americana Restaurants, with phased GCC expansion. Community Food Support: A South African man fed 2,000 schoolchildren on his birthday, boosting attention on hunger relief.