BDC profits before tax rise to P187 million
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Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), government investment arm this week delivered impressive sets of financial results for the year ended June 2018, mirroring a good dispatch of their ongoing five-year strategy which commenced in 2015.
The strategy was set-up by Managing Director Bashi Gaetsaloe who took over the reins in 2014 at a time when the corporation was embattled with corruption, maladministration and failing investments. At a stakeholder briefing hosted by the company in Gaborone this Thursday, Gaetsaloe observed that the 2018 trading period continued to be a challenging year economically both in domestic and global markets explaining that BDC was not spared from this toughened trading environment.
“However in the midst of these external factors, we have continued to make progress. We are now in the fourth year of our five-year strategy and we remain committed to our ambition to double the business in this strategic period,” he said. During the period under review the BDC Group raked in Profit-before-Tax of P187 million, mirroring an increase of 39 percent when gauged against P135 million registered in the prior year ended June 2017. The Group recorded a hike of 5 percent in asset base ending the trading year at 4.1 billion pula compared to 3.9 billion pula in 2017.
BDC also realised growth in interest income of 20 percent to P42million against P35 million reported during the prior year. When delivering these sets of financial figures BDC acting Chief Finance Officer Maranyane Makhondo said this was a reflection of the expected growth in debt assets, a milestone achieved in correlation with the corporation’s business strategy to rebalance the equity/debt asset profile.
“We successfully drove an increase in investment asset values at Group level with financial results for the year under review reporting an accumulative 5 percent year on year growth of Group assets to P4.1 billion,” reiterated Makhondo. Further zooming into the BDC Group’s financial highlights for the period under review indicates that income closed the year at P444 million against last year’s P403 million, reflecting a 10 percent growth year on year.
Company Profit before Tax increased by 18 percent to P244 million in 2018 from P206 million reported in 2017. Managing Director, Bashi Gaetsaloe shared that in addition to the reported financial results, his company also takes pride in the Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmation of their Baa2/Prime2 rating with a stable outlook.
“The rating agency recognised our strong liquidity and capital buffers, and assumption of a high probability of government support hence our issuer ratings entail a standalone credit profile of b1, which balances what Moody’s recognizes as a strong company solvency and liquidity position against a high concentration of strategic participation in large equity investments.”
Gaetsaloe further added that during the year 2018 BDC moved from equity investment to debt instruments with a view to align their portfolio composition to their investment mandate of just being financers and not operators “we shrunk our equity injections and hiked our debt instruments because our job is not to run businesses but just support, thus we took a deliberate stance to minimize our equity skates with a view to allow entrepreneurs , promoters and business owners to run these business so we have been moving with a small minority stake investment wave to archive this” he said.
INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS
When updating stakeholders on BDC’s investment portfolio Chief Investment Officer (CIO) Moatlhodi Lekaukau shared that the company has stretched its investment outlook with a view to expand its African footprint and diversity the corporation’s revenue streams and various market reach. He shared that the corporation has closed in on a first international deal as well as upcoming transactions both in East and West Africa.
Lekaukau revealed that in Nigeria BDC is 80 percent wrapping up a lucrative transaction that would see the corporation hold a significant stake in an undisclosed telecommunication company that operates consumer based mobile business. “We are excited about this transaction, the company is one of the top five in Nigeria, and we know the country hosts a large vibrant market so we a looking at impressive returns from this deal,” explained Lekaukau adding that an investment in the Ghana energy sector is also in the offing.
The Chief Investment Officer also shared that in Uganda, BDC will be investing in an oil refinery business, “we are cautious with this offshore investments, but they are key to our diversification strategy which seeks to expand our footprints into other vibrant and bigger markets and East Africa as well as West Africa presents that, especially in the energy and telecommunication sectors” said Lekaukau.
Commenting on these investments Managing Director Gaetsaloe added that BDC’s investments outside boarders of Botswana present a great opportunity for the company’s ambitions of being a window for Botswana’s economic aspiration. “Once we take a Botswana investment company outside our boarders we send a good image of Botswana’s economic capacity and ability, as we close these deals we create linkages with some of these companies to come and explore possible joint ventures here in Botswana with local companies as well as explore other potential business opportunities” said the BDC MD.
BDC’S FIVE- YEAR STRATEGY
Speaking to the five-year strategy Gaetsaloe explained that the strategy was bearing fruits. “We believe that our five-year strategy has delivery results, over the cause of the last four years we have returned BDC to profitability with cumulative profits of P784 million pula, paid off debt of P500 million and transferred P285 millions of listed stock to the public. We have also transferred business and assets worth over P300 million pula to local firms and Batswana, and reduced our loss making subsidiaries from nine to two. This are commendable sets of achievements,” he said.
During the last four year BDC approved P952 million to fund new projects and creating over 1200 new jobs. The government investment arm established a Reserved fund and an Investment Fund which are capitalized at over P230 million. “We have always wanted to have a buffer fund to accommodate possible shocks, that way our funders and lenders have confidence in our borrowings, to say if there was a shock to our income streams we would continue to meet our repayments obligations,” he said.
Going forward, Gaetsaloe reiterated that BDC would be aligned directly to the national vision 2036 of achieving a high income economy for Botswana.
“We are a self-funding company that strives to pay-out an increasing dividend to our shareholder, being government, on year-on-year basis, we gather our funding by borrowing from local banks and capital market so that we can invest on commercial projects that drive industrialization, and create employment for Batswana,” he said.
BDC paid dividends to Botswana Government for the past three trading years since 2015 after a decade of loss making. “We raise funds, deploy fund and look after these funds to achieve shareholder value and for the year under review we have successfully driven growth across the business including significantly net worth by P700 million since 2014,” said Gaetsaloe.
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BTC launches the 3rd Francistown Marathon 2024 and handover proceeds to the 2nd Francistown Marathon beneficiaries
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has announced that its 3rd Francistown Marathon will be held on Saturday 20th April 2024 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon is officially recognised by World Athletics and a Comrades Marathon Qualifier will offer race categories ranging from 42.2km, 21.1 km, 10km, 5km fun run, 5km peace run for children and has introduced a 5km and 10km categories for wheelchairs athletics.
BTC also used this opportunity to announce beneficiaries who received donations from proceeds made from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon that was held on April 23rd 203. BTC donated a play area, plastic chairs and wooden tables for pupils worth a total of thirty eight thousand, one hundred and three pula, fifty thebe each (P38, 103.50) to Monarch Primary School, Tatitown Primary School, Mahube Primary School and Gulubane Primary School. Ditladi and Boikhutso clinics each received a donation of benches, television sets and 10, 000 litre water tanks worth thirty seven thousan, eight hundred and ninety eight pula (P 37, 898.00). Additionally, BTC also donated seventy thousand pula (P70,000.00) to their marathon technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) which will be used for daily operations as well as to purchase equipment for the club.
The BTC Francistown Marathon aligns seamlessly with BTC’s corporate social investment programme, administered through the BTC Foundation. This programme is a testament to BTC’s dedication to community development, focusing on key areas such as health promotion. The marathon, now in its third year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also channels all proceeds to carefully chosen charities as part of BTC’s commitment to impactful and sustainable projects.
Speaking at the launch, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the marathon underscores BTC’s commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that “the annual event which has been in existence since 2016, having taken a break due to the covid and other logistical issues, is instrumental to the economic upliftment of the city of Francistown”. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that “the donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTC’s commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industries”.
He further stated that through this marathon, “we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to having a good influence on our communities, this event is a manifestation of our dedication to promoting education and a healthier, more active society”. He concluded by stating that “BTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at large” he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that “he is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathon”. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the “CSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communities”, he said.
The 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon is officially open for registrations and athletes may use the following platforms to register and pay; through Smega by dialling *173# and choosing opton 5, then choose Option 3 for the Francistown marathon, at any BTC store or by visiting the BTC website and clicking on the BTC Francistown Marathon and choosing the relevant options.
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Letsholo lauds President Masisi’s digitization in fight against corruption
Thapelo Letsholo, Member of Parliament for Kanye North, delivered a moving speech at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, praising President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption. Letsholo highlighted the importance of embracing digitalization in governance as a crucial step in curbing corrupt practices.
According to Letsholo, the implementation of digital systems in government services can significantly reduce direct interactions between citizens and officials, which often serve as fertile grounds for corruption. By minimizing these opportunities for illicit activities, the efficiency and transparency of public services can be enhanced. Letsholo pointed to Estonia’s success in digital governance as an example, where public services have become more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
The MP commended President Masisi’s commitment to digitalization and E-Governance, emphasizing that it aligns with global anti-corruption standards. He called for full support and active participation from all sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Letsholo also stressed the importance of improving detection methods and refining whistleblower laws to effectively combat corruption. He highlighted the unseen and unspoken facets of corruption as its lifelines, emphasizing the need for robust detection mechanisms and a system that encourages and protects whistleblowers.
Addressing the societal role in fighting corruption, Letsholo focused on the crucial role of everyday citizens and civil servants who often witness corrupt practices firsthand. He acknowledged the existing reluctance to report corruption due to the perceived risks of repercussions. To change this narrative, Letsholo advocated for creating an environment where staying silent is deemed more detrimental than speaking out. He called for a cultural shift where the potential benefits of exposing corruption outweigh the risks, ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and feel secure in coming forward.
Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a system that not only detects and reports corruption but also supports those who stand against it. He expressed hope that under President Masisi’s digitalization initiatives, the future of governance in Botswana will be characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Letsholo’s speech resonated with the sentiments of hope and determination that permeated the commemoration, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against corruption.
In summary, Letsholo lauded President Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption, highlighting its potential to curb corrupt practices, enhance efficiency and transparency in public services, and align with global anti-corruption standards. He emphasized the importance of improving detection methods, refining whistleblower laws, and creating an environment where speaking out against corruption is encouraged and protected. Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
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FaR property assets value clock P1.47 billion
FaR Property Company (FPC) Limited, a property investment company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has recently announced its exceptional financial results for the year 2023. The company’s property asset value has risen to P1.47 billion, up from P1.42 billion in the previous year.
FPC has a diverse portfolio of properties, including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The company owns a total of 186 properties, generating rental revenues from various sectors. In 2023, the company recorded rental revenues of P11 million from residential properties, P62 million from industrial properties, and P89 million from commercial properties. Overall, the company’s total revenues increased by 9% to P153 million, while profit before tax increased by 22% to P136 million, and operating profit increased by 11% to P139 million.
One notable achievement for FPC is the low vacancy rate across its properties, which stands at only 6%. This is particularly impressive considering the challenging trading environment. The company attributes this success to effective lease management and the leasing of previously vacant properties in South Africa. FPC’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the resilience of the company in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The increase in profit before tax can be attributed to both an increase in income and effective control of operating expenses. FPC managed to achieve these results with fewer employees, demonstrating the company’s efficiency. The headline earnings per linked unit also saw an improvement, reaching 26.92 thebe, higher than the previous year.
Looking ahead, FPC remains confident in its competitiveness and growth prospects. The company possesses a substantial land bank, which it plans to develop strategically as opportunities arise. FPC aims for managed growth, focusing on consumer-driven developments and ensuring the presence of supportive tenants. By maintaining this approach, the company believes it can sustainably grow its property portfolio and remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the macroeconomic environment, FPC noted that inflation rates are decreasing towards the 3% to 6% range approved by the Bank of Botswana. This is positive news for the company, as it hopes for further decreases in interest rates. However, the fluctuating fuel prices, influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine and oil output reductions by Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, continue to impact businesses, including some of FPC’s tenants.
FPC’s property portfolio includes notable assets such as a shopping mall in Francistown with Choppies Hyper as the anchor tenant, Borogo Mall located on the A33 main road near the Kazungula ferry crossing, and various industrial and commercial properties in Gaborone leased to Choppies, Senn Foods, and Clover Botswana. The company also owns a shopping mall in Mafikeng and Rustenburg in South Africa.
The majority of FPC’s properties, 85%, are located in Botswana, followed by 12% in South Africa and 3% in Zambia. With its strong financial performance, competitive position, and strategic land bank, FPC is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the property market.