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Transport sector performs below par in Q1 2019

Statistics Botswana’s transport and infrastructure brief indicates that the sector performed extremely poorer in the first quarter of 2019. The sector consists of air, water and railway transport as well as motor vehicle registrations.

A total of 14,795 aircraft movements were recorded for Q1 2019, which was a 24.3 percent decrease compared to Q4 2018. The bulk of aircraft movements were domestic, which constituted 70.9 percent of the total aircraft movements while international aircraft movements accounted for the remaining 29.1 percent. In comparison to the same quarter of the previous year, Q1 2018, total aircraft movements decreased by 5.7 percent, international movements increased by 6.3 percent while domestic movements decreased by 9.9 percent.

Air transport gives the movement of aircrafts and air passengers both locally and internationally. The movements are categorised into scheduled, non-scheduled and private movements. Scheduled aircrafts refers to commercial airlines operating on a time table while non-scheduled aircrafts refers to commercial aircrafts which do not have to operate using a time table but operate as and when needed. Private movements refers to non-commercial individual aircrafts.


In Q1 2019 most aircraft movements were non-scheduled movements, they accounted for 67.7% percent of total movements. Scheduled and private movements accounted for 28.3 percent and 3.9 percent of total aircraft movements recorded respectively. In comparison to the previous quarter, Q4 2018, all the types of movements recorded a decrease. Non-scheduled movements registered a decrease of 30 percent. Scheduled and private movements decreased by 6.4 and 32. 1% respectively. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, only scheduled movements registered an increase of 7.6% while private and non-scheduled movements decreased by 10.4 and 5,1% respectively.

In Q1 2019, non-scheduled arrivals and departures accounted for 34 and 33.9% respectively to total aircraft movements. Scheduled movements both arrivals and departures constituted the largest proportion in international aircraft movements while non-scheduled movements dominated in domestic aircraft movements. Scheduled flights made up 74.2 percent of total aircraft movements while non-scheduled flights accounted for 87 percent of total domestic aircraft movements.

Most of aircraft movements were recorded in Maun, with 57.2% of total aircraft movements, Sir Seretse Khama International Airport accounted for 27% of total aircraft movements making it the second highest aircraft movements. Ghanzi and Selibe-Phikwe airports received the least number of aircraft movements constituting only 0.1% each. The month of March registered most aircraft movements, with 40% of the total. January and February accounted for 31.4% and 29% of total aircraft movements respectively.

During the quarter under review, most of the international movements were recorded at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport with 70% of total international aircraft movements. Maun airport handled mostly domestic movements, accounting for 74% of the domestic movements. Compared to the previous quarter, Q4 2018, in international movements, only two airports namely Ghanzi and Selibe-Phikwe registered an increase, while the other airports recorded a decrease. In domestic movements, all airports recorded a decrease, with the most notable decline at Selibe-Phikwe airport (57%). This may be due to the fact that Selibe-Phikwe and Ghanzi airports only deal with private aircrafts.

During the quarter under review, 179,843 air passenger movements were recorded. This was a decrease of 20% compared to those recorded in the previous quarter. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, Q1 2018, Q1 2019 recorded an increase of 6% in air passenger movements. International movements contributed 60% to total passenger movements and the remaining 40% were domestic movements.

Scheduled passenger flights accounted for 81% of total air passenger movements while non-scheduled and private passenger flights contributed 18.1% and 1% respectively. When compared to the previous quarter, Q4 2018, all the three types of flights recorded a decrease; private passenger flights recorded a decrease of 26 percent, while scheduled and non-scheduled flight movements decreased by 15% and 40% respectively.

Motor vehicle registration deals with licensing of vehicle with respect to those registered for the first time and renewal pf pre-existing ones. A total of 13 thousand vehicles were registered for the first time in Q1 2019. This was a decrease of 11.7% compared to the previous quarter, Q4 2018. Most of the vehicles registered for the first time were passenger cars accounting for 74.5%, followed by vans with 10%. Motor cycles were registered the least number of first registrations with 0.4%. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, Q1 2018, vehicles registered for the first time increased by 6%.

Most of the first registrations done in Q1 2019 were used vehicles constituting 80% of total first registrations. Brand new and rebuilt vehicles accounted for 20% and 0.1% respectively. The highest number of firstly registered vehicles were imported from Japan with 72% of the total first registrations. Out of these, 99.5% were used vehicles and only 0.5% were new. South Africa followed with 19.5 percent of total imported vehicles with 84 percent of those vehicles being new.

Singapore was the third in line of those countries from which Botswana imports vehicles, it accounted for 3% of total first registrations. Most of the new vehicles were imported from South Africa which accounted for 84% of total brand new vehicles. Vehicles bought in Botswana followed with 7%. Brand new vehicles from Japan and Korea accounted for 1.9% each. Rebuilt vehicles originated from only three countries; Botswana at 72 percent, Japan 18 percent and United Kingdom at 9%.

In Q1 2019, Gaborone accounted for a high number of first registrations with 67% of total first registrations, Francistown followed with 9.2% of total vehicles registered for the first time. Lobatse recorded 5 percent, Ramotswa 4.0% while Molepolole and Maun registered 3.6 and 2.8% respectively. Most of the registration stations recorded a decrease in vehicles registered for the first time in Q1 2019 compared to Q4 201. Vehicles registered for the first time in Gaborone went down by 8.7%, Francistown registered a 12% decrease. The most notable decrease was in Bobonong with 83%. Other registration stations with high decreases were Tsabong with 65%, Kang 57% and Gumare with 50%

Toyota proved to be the most popular motor vehicle make, registering 40% of total first registrations.it was followed by Honda with 13%, VW was the third favourite make registering 9% of total first registrations. Mazda and Nissan registered 7.7 and 6.7% of total first registrations respectively. Massey Ferguson was the favourite make for tractors. It constituted 59% of the total registered tractors. Home-made vehicles contributed 31% of the total registered trailers.

Compared to the previous quarter Q4 2018, Q1 2019 showed a decline in most makes of vehicles. Toyota recorded a 13% decrease in first registrations while Madza and VW declined by 30 and 9% respectively. Nissan declined by 4% in Q1 2019 compared to vehicles registered in Q4 2018. In Q1 2019 most of the registrations were done in the month of March which accounted for 37% of total first registrations. The months of January and February constituted 31 and 32% respectively. Compared to the same months of the previous year, Q1 2018, January increased by 11%, while February and March registrations increased by 7.7 and 1.2% respectively.

A total of 306 thousand net tonnes were transported using rail in Q1 2019 which was a 16.1 percent decrease from goods transported in Q4 2018. Goods transported by rail in Q1 2019 decreased in most categories compared to Q4 2018. Total imports decreased by 24% and total exports decreased by 17%. Local traffic went down by 2.2% while Botswana total declined by 18%. An increase was realized in transit traffic which went up by 94% percent. Transit traffic is not marketed, so it is up to people who transport goods to other countries if they want to use Botswana rail or not, that is why transit traffic is not consistent. Compared to the same quarter at the previous years, goods transported by rail in Q1 2018 decreased by 27%.

Total revenue of P62.6 Million was generated in Q1 2019, showing an increase of 13.4% from what was generated in the previous quarter, Q4 2018. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, Q1 2019 registered a decline of 27.3% in revenue generated. Most of the revenue generated in Q1 2019 came from Botswana total which accounted for 96.3% of total revenue. Revenue generated from Botswana Origin goods made up to 61.4% of total revenue while revenue from Total Exports and total imports constituted 45% and 35% of total revenue respectively.

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P300m Phikwe Citrus project first harvest milestone

18th March 2024

The P300 million Selebi Phikwe Citrus project in Botswana has reached its first harvest milestone, with the first export dispatched to the UAE and Saudi Arabia last week. This project, aimed at diversifying the country’s export earnings from diamond mining, is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

The project, which has successfully planted 840,000 seedlings in Phase 1 and completed a 17,000 square meter pack house, is set to employ 1,000 people and create business opportunities across various value chains. These opportunities include manufacturing of juice and packaging materials, transport and logistics, and honey production.

The first export from the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project marks a major achievement for Botswana, as it opens up lucrative export markets in the Middle East and beyond. The project has met market access requirements for countries such as the EU, Canada, China, The Philippines, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, paving the way for future exports to these regions.

The economic impact of the project on the SPEDU region, where it is located, is already being felt. The construction of a 12 km water pipeline and the installation of a power line have driven infrastructure development in the area, benefiting businesses in the vicinity at minimal cost.

The project’s success is the result of collaborative efforts between various government departments and agencies, including the Botswana Investment & Trade Centre (BITC) and SPEDU. Through the BITC’s One Stop Services Centre (BOSSC), the project was able to access red-carpet investor facilitation services and unlock necessary business enablers.

The Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture have played crucial roles in facilitating market access for the project. The Department of Plant Health has opened up protocol and permit markets for citrus exports, ensuring that the project can access international markets with ease.

Botswana has met the European Union (EU), Canada, China, The Philippines, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia market access requirements. “I am happy to report that our desire to export has been actualised as the first consignment was dispatched last week to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia” Minister Kgafela revealed.

The Selebi Phikwe Citrus project is not only beneficial for the project sponsors but also for other citrus growers in Botswana. With 172 citrus growers in the country, over 90% of whom are small-scale farmers, the project presents opportunities for growth and expansion in the citrus industry.

Massive value chain opportunities are presented by the project, including fertilizer and agrochemical supplies, agro-processing opportunities, and more. The project’s spending on imports presents an opportunity for local production, further boosting the country’s economy.

On 21s March 2024, His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi EK Masisi will officiate at a ceremony to mark the first harvest of the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project and officially open the pack house. Harvest from this multimillion pula project is expected to reach the United States, Europe and other lucrative export markets.

The project was first launched on the 11th December 2020 with a ground breaking by President Masisi. This multimillion pula private sector funded agricultural enterprise, the likes of which this country has never seen before, is widely touted as a major catalyst to revitalising and catapulting the SPEDU region back to economic glory following the closure of BCL mine in 2016.

The project promoters leased 1500 hectors of land from Mmadinare Multi- Purpose Cooperative Society which will benefit directly through proceeds.

Highlighting the ripple economic impact of the project to the SPEDU region, Assistant Minister of Trade & Industry Honourable Beauty Manake said the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project has been able to drive the development of infrastructure in the area, with the construction of a 12 km water pipeline and ensured the installation of a power line.

She said during a briefing in Gaborone on Thursday that businesses within the vicinity have tapped into these infrastructural developments at minimal cost.

The Selebi Phikwe Citrus project came into being through collective efforts of various government departments and agencies. The Botswana Investment & Trade Centre (BITC) in collaboration with SPEDU courted the investors from South Africa to venture into the project.

Through the Botswana One Stop Services Centre (BOSSC) under the BITC, the project was able to establish and take off by enjoying red-carpet investor facilitation services to unlock required business enablers.

BITC has also through its export promotion arm, facilitated the project by identifying potential export markets in the European Union (EU) and lend crucial support to the Citrus Project to access the identified markets.

About 70 percent of the produce from the Selebi Phikwe Citrus will be exported, while 30% will remain in the country. Assistant Minister Manake revealed that the Ministry of Trade of Industry has been working closely with the project sponsors to explore export markets and facilitate entry into those markets.

The Selebi Phikwe Citrus project’s first harvest and export mark a significant milestone in Botswana’s efforts to diversify its export earnings. With the potential for growth and expansion in the citrus industry, this project is set to have a lasting impact on the country’s economy and agricultural sector.

 

 

 

 

 

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Botswana’s first coal-gas fired power station to start commercial production

18th March 2024

Botswana is set to achieve a significant milestone with the upcoming commencement of commercial production at the country’s first coal-gas fired power station. Tlou Energy Limited, an Independent Power Producer listed on multiple stock exchanges, has been at the forefront of developing this groundbreaking project, which is expected to start generating electricity for both the local and export markets later this year.

Situated in the Central District, just 100 km west of Serowe, the coal-gas fired power station represents a major step towards reducing Botswana’s reliance on expensive power imports. Tlou Energy has confirmed the presence of abundant coal-gas resources in the area, making it suitable for commercial power production. The company has obtained all the necessary approvals, including environmental assessments, production licenses, power generation licenses, and a Power Purchase Agreement, to move forward with the project.

One of the key achievements for Tlou Energy has been the completion of a 100km 66kV transmission line, connecting the power station directly to Botswana’s power grid and the Southern African Power Pool. This connection opens up a vast market for the project, allowing for the sale of electricity both domestically and regionally. The company’s Managing Director, Tony Gilby, expressed optimism about the project’s progress, stating that they are on track to start generating revenue soon.

In terms of the project’s timeline, Tlou Energy is currently focused on completing the construction of the power station, installing generators, and finalizing the gas gathering line. The initial target is to generate around 2MW of power, with plans for rapid expansion to 10MW, generating approximately $10 million in revenue per annum. The company is also in discussions with investors to secure the necessary funds for project completion.

The key remaining items to be completed prior to first power sales, according Tlou Energy, include completing the construction of the power station, installation of generators, completing the short gas gathering line (from the gas wells to the generators) and energizing the power line. “Minor finishing works on the transmission line and the addition of switchgear at Serowe will also be completed prior to first power.  The initial target is ~2MW of power, followed by rapid expansion to 10MW, generating approximately $10m in revenue per annum.” The company has confirmed that it’s in discussions with some investors to secure funds required for project completion.

Tlou’s power is expected to help reduce Botswana’s reliance on expensive power imports. In addition to supplying power in Botswana, the company may sell electricity to the regional market via the Southern African Power Pool, a development which could open up a bigger market for the project.

The successful operation of Botswana’s first coal-gas fired power station will not only contribute to the country’s energy security but also have a positive impact on the regional market. By potentially selling electricity through the Southern African Power Pool, Tlou Energy could tap into a larger market, further solidifying its position as a key player in the energy sector.

Overall, the progress made by Tlou Energy in developing Botswana’s first coal-gas fired power station is a testament to the company’s dedication and vision. With the project nearing completion and commercial production on the horizon, Botswana is poised to enter a new era of energy independence and sustainability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Food prices could go up in 2024/2025

18th March 2024

Food prices could potentially go up in 2024/2025 due to the current El Niño conditions in Southern Africa, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The update released by FAO indicates that countries in the region, including Botswana, may experience a decrease in food production, leading to higher food inflation.

The update highlights that Southern Africa has been experiencing below-average rainfall, with key cropping zones in countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia receiving only up to 80 percent of average rainfall quantities between November 2023 and February 2024. This has resulted in significant rainfall deficits, particularly in February, which is a critical period for crop development. The warmer than average temperatures and erratic distribution of rains have further exacerbated the situation, leading to stressed vegetation conditions and potentially lower crop yields in 2024.

In South Africa, the leading cereal producer in the region, a dry spell between late January and February 2024 has negatively impacted crop production prospects. Maize production is expected to fall this year, further contributing to the potential decrease in cereal production in the region.

As a result of the anticipated decline in cereal production in Southern Africa, import needs are projected to increase in the 2024/25 year. This could lead to the importation of cereals from outside of the region, such as the United States of America, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and Argentina. However, importing food from global markets comes with higher transport costs and import tariffs, which may put upward pressure on food prices in Botswana.

FAO projects that based on the likely scenario of a fall in cereal production in Southern Africa, import needs are set to increase in the 2024/25 year. “Furthermore, if production declines in South Africa and Zambia materialize in 2024, cereal export availabilities in the region would be low and this could necessitate the importation of cereals from outside of Southern Africa.” According to analysts from the organization cereal prices were at higher levels in December 2023 and January 2024 in Southern Africa, reflecting the cumulative impacts of weather shocks on 2023 domestic production, elevated international commodity prices and weak currencies that intensified exchange rate pass-through effects to domestic prices. “Farther ahead, a key risk to the price growth is represented by the impact of El Niño-related rainfall deficits on cereal production in 2024.”

Some local analysts believes that Botswana could import sorghum, maize and wheat from as far as United States of America, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Argentina as South Africa and Southern African countries which are potential suppliers of cereals, are highly likely to record decline in crop production as a result of the impact of El Niño-related rainfall deficits on cereal production in 2024. The analysts added that food imports from the global markets come with higher transport costs and import tariffs which may have an upward pressure on food prices in Botswana.

Overall, the impact of El Niño-related rainfall deficits on cereal production in 2024 poses a significant risk to food prices in the region. It is important for policymakers and stakeholders to closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to mitigate the potential increase in food prices in 2024/2025.

 

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