Beer in Namibia: history, traditions and breweries
Brewing on the edge of the desert: the lagers from Windhoek are still brewed according to the German purity law.
History
Long before Europeans arrived, people in Namibia made mildly fermented drinks from millet, such as the tangy “oshikundu” in the north.
From 1884 to 1915 the country was the German colony of German South West Africa. The first brewery opened in 1900, and soon several small breweries were brewing in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Omaruru.
In 1920 Carl List and Hermann Ohlthaver bought four small breweries and merged them into South West Breweries. From the mid-1920s the Hansa brewery in Swakopmund became its biggest rival; it was taken over in 1967.
With independence in 1990, South West Breweries became Namibia Breweries. Its Windhoek Lager is exported to many countries; since 2023 the brewery has belonged to Heineken.
Traditions and drinking culture
Namibia Breweries’ beers are brewed according to the purity law of 1516 – only with malt, hops, water and yeast.
An Oktoberfest is celebrated in Windhoek every year, and German words such as “Prost” are still widely used.
Fun facts
- In 2014 Namibia Breweries became the first brewer in Africa to switch to solar power on a large scale.
- Windhoek Light has only 2% alcohol.
- In the southern winter Namibia Breweries brews a dark, strong bock, “Urbock”.
Typical beer styles
Beer cities and their stories
Windhoek
Namibia Breweries brews Windhoek Lager in the capital. The old brewery buildings in the city centre recall the early years.
Swakopmund
This coastal town with many buildings from the German era was home to the Hansa brewery, which now belongs to Namibia Breweries.
Omaruru
This small inland town also had a brewery at the beginning of the 20th century.
Breweries and their stories
Namibia Breweries
Formed in 1920 from four small breweries; until 1990 it was called South West Breweries. It has belonged to Heineken since 2023.
Known for: Windhoek Lager, Windhoek Draught, Tafel Lager
Hansa
From the mid-1920s the biggest rival of South West Breweries; taken over in 1967.
Known for: Hansa Pilsener
Timeline
- 1900whole country
The country’s first brewery is founded in the German colony.
- 1920Windhoek
Carl List and Hermann Ohlthaver merge four small breweries into South West Breweries.
- mid-1920sSwakopmund
The Hansa brewery in Swakopmund becomes the biggest rival.
- 1967Swakopmund
South West Breweries takes over the Hansa brewery.
- 1990Windhoek
With independence, South West Breweries becomes Namibia Breweries.
- 2014Windhoek
Namibia Breweries becomes the first brewer in Africa to switch to solar power on a large scale.