Kenya's manufacturing sector has received a significant boost as craft beverage producer African Originals secured a Sh129.6 million ($1 million) capital injection from Mauritian drinks company, Phoenix Beverages Ltd (PBL), to scale up local manufacturing.

• The funding marks the second investment from PBL into African Originals, aiming to deepen the use of locally sourced ingredients and widen distribution.
• Alexandra Chappatte, Founder and CEO of African Originals, emphasized that the investment will strengthen the company’s lines of ciders, spirits, and ready-to-drink cocktails, making them more widely available.
• African Originals, a female-founded and led manufacturer, has reported over 50 percent year-on-year revenue growth by tapping into the demand for locally-made premium beverages among younger consumers.