South Africa: SABMiller commits $US2.5 million to investment climate facility for Africa

SABMiller announced June 01 at the Africa World Economic Forum in Cape Town, that it will commit US$2.5 million over a five year period to the Investment Climate Facility for Africa (ICF).

SABMiller believes that the ICF is an important initiative which will help African countries create business environments that will encourage international investment and generate sustainable business opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

With brewing interests in 29 African countries, SABMiller has an established track record of empowering and supporting the creation of local businesses and contributing to the development of the business environment in the countries in which it operates.

Graham Mackay, Chief Executive of SABMiller said, �We are delighted to support the ICF as we believe that the private sector is the engine for growth in Africa. International investors, small businesses and entrepreneurs must be able to take advantage of the many business and investment opportunities that Africa has to offer. To do this in a successful and sustainable manner, they need business and investment-friendly environments. We believe our experience as a leading multinational brewer, with our origins in Africa, will enable us to contribute significantly to the ICF�.

SABMiller plc has financial and beverage interests in 29 African countries, including those in which our strategic partner, Castel, operates. The South African Breweries (SAB) Ltd runs beer and soft drinks businesses in South Africa, with the other African markets managed by SABMiller Africa and Asia. Both companies are based in Johannesburg. SABMiller�s main products in Africa include lager, carbonated soft drinks, water wine and spirits and traditional beer made from sorghum.

SABMiller plc is one of the world�s largest brewers with brewing interests or distribution agreements in over 60 countries across five continents. The group�s brands include premium international beers such as Miller Genuine Draft, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Pilsner Urquell, as well as an exceptional range of market leading local brands. Outside the USA, SABMiller plc is also one of the largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products in the world.

In the year ended 31 March 2006, the group reported US$2,626 million adjusted pre-tax profit and a turnover of US$15,307 million. SABMiller plc is listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.