Opportunities for Botswana’s Manufacturing Sector
Business
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a market access arrangement between United States of America (USA) and Africa with broad objective of boosting exports from Sub-Saharan Africa to USA by eliminating tariff barriers on a large number of their exports.
The current 10-year extension of AGOA is set to expire in September 2025. This unilateral trade agreement provides duty free access to the US market to over 6,400 product lines and 1,800 new tariff line items in addition to the 4,600 The renewal through the AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act of 2015 covers the third country fabric (TCF) provision, which is a special rule that allows lesser-developed beneficiary countries duty-free/quota-free access into the U.S. for apparel made from fabric imported from non-AGOA beneficiary countries.
Although not considered to be a lesser developed country (LDC), Botswana qualifies for the TCF provision following the granting of the lesser-developed beneficiary countries status under AGOA. For a country to be eligible, the US President determines that it has met or is making continual progress toward establishing a market-based economy; rule of law, political pluralism, and right to due process; elimination of barriers to U.S. trade and investment; economic policies to reduce poverty; a system to combat bribery and corruption; and protection of internationally recognized worker rights items enjoying duty-free status on the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program.
The US as an Export Market
The United States is one the world’s largest importing countries. US importers are always looking for new products to import and resell. According to US Department of Commerce, US Imports were $2,895.3 billion in 2017, up $182.5 billion from 2016. Imports of goods increased $153.2 billion to $2,361.5 billion while those of services increased $29.2 billion to $533.9 billion in 2017. The top US imports include motor vehicles, crude oil, cellphones, computer chips, gasoline, motor vehicle parts, medicines and commercial vehicles.
Since 2010, textiles/apparel has been Botswana’s main AGOA beneficiary sector, constituting between 90-100% of total AGOA exports. During its peak, Botswana had over 10 textiles/apparel firms exporting under AGOA. In 2017 Botswana total exports to USA were P775.6 million, of which AGOA exports accounted for P9.9 million. Diamonds account for over 95% of total exports to the US. Currently Botswana does not have a single company that is benefitting from the AGOA preference.
Of the over 10 textiles/apparel firms that operated from Botswana, some companies have shifted focus towards South Africa while some have relocated with others having closed down. The National AGOA response strategy is an effort by government to ramp up exports into the US market.
Potential Benefits of AGOA For Botswana
Potential benefits for Botswana from the AGOA unilateral trade preference program include:
Tariff advantage: Exports from Botswana have a significant tariff advantage over those from non-AGOA eligible countries, making Botswana products more competitive, e.g. some tariffs exemptions in the textiles/apparel sector under AGOA are as high as 30%. Wide range of eligible products: The AGOA Extension offers an increased range of eligible products (over 6,400 products lines) which allows a more diversified exports to U.S. by Botswana.
Opportunity for regional integration: AGOA facility provides an opportunity to create regional integration through the development of value chains, production sharing and collaboration to meet volumes required by the U.S. market and for pitching the region as one big market.
Capacity building of associations and institutions: Local institutions will build their capacity and strengthen their process through technical assistance and technical capacity building provided by the various U.S. support agencies such as the regional trade and investment hubs and others whose mandate is to provide technical assistance in AGOA beneficiary countries to facilitate increased utilization of the program.
Promotion of women in social and economic development: The AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act, encourages the promotion of women in social and economic development. Increased participation of women in labour will help increase the quantity and quality of available labour for industries involved in international trade. Job creation: AGOA has been credited with the creation of over 300,000 jobs in Sub Saharan Africa since its inception hence increased utilization of AGOA by Botswana will result in more job opportunities for Batswana.
Long term relationships: Local companies that utilize AGOA will be exposed to the U.S. market and create strategic alliances and other relationships with their U.S. counterparts, which might continue after the expiry of the AGOA facility. Giving local companies international exposure: Participation in the U.S. market under AGOA gives companies the much-needed experience for entering other international markets.
What Can Botswana Companies Export Under AGOA?
The AGOA agreement provides export opportunities to over 6400 product lines as long as they meet the AGOA rules of origin requirements and are exported directly from a beneficiary country to the United States. Botswana has developed a National AGOA Response Strategy to guide implementation of the trade agreement. The specific objectives of this strategy are to advise the Government of Botswana on how to systematically take advantage of AGOA, to identify policy responses in targeted sectors to capacitate current and potential exporters in Botswana to increase exports under AGOA, to develop an ongoing consultative mechanism between the public and private sector players and to attract investment into identified sectors that can benefit from international trade.
The National AGOA Response Strategy for Botswana has identified a number of sectors that could be developed in order to increase exports to the US. These include the Handicrafts, Meat & Meat Products, Textile/ Apparel, Natural/ Indigenous Products, Jewelry and Semi-Precious Stones and Horticulture & Agro-processing Products. Companies can check whether their products are eligible for AGOA preferences on HYPERLINK "http://agoa.info/about-agoa/products.html" http://agoa.info/about-agoa/products.html
How Can Companies Register for AGOA?
Prior to exportation, traders are required to register with the nearest BURS – Regional Office (Customs and Excise Division). In order for the goods to enjoy this trade concession, they must be processed or manufactured in Botswana as prescribed under the AGOA Rules of Origin (RoO). RoO are the requirements which set out the working and processing that must be undertaken locally in order for a product to be considered the “economic origin” of the exporting country. The salient features of AGOA's general (non-textiles and apparel) Rules of Origin are as follows:
The product must be imported directly from the AGOA-beneficiary country into the United States;
Items must be "growth, product or manufacture" of one or more AGOA-beneficiary countries (these requirements can be met jointly by more than one AGOA beneficiary – this concept is called ‘cumulation of origin’);
Products may incorporate materials sourced from outside countries (i.e. non AGOA-beneficiaries) provided that the sum of the direct cost or value of the materials produced in one or more designated AGOA-beneficiary countrie(s), plus the "direct costs of processing" undertaken in the AGOA-beneficiary countrie(s), equal at least 35% of the product's appraised value at the US port of entry;
Cost of local materials + direct cost of processing must >= 35%
In addition, a total of up to 15% of the 35% local content value (as appraised at the US port of entry) may consist of US-originating parts and materials. This concept is called “bilateral cumulation of origin”). In addition to compliance with RoO It would be worthwhile to have a clearing agent on the U.S. side. All shipments should include commercial invoice and Certificate of Origin, which specifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code(s) for the product(s) being shipped. For textiles/apparel products only, an AGOA visa stamp is required, which is obtained from the Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS)
What Support is Available for Botswana Companies?
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry has appointed Botswana Investment and Trade Centre to coordinate implementation of the National AGOA Response Strategy for Botswana. Various stakeholders such as government ministries, sector associations, business support institutions and the private sector all have specific roles in the implementation of the strategy. BITC supports the industry through its export development and promotion programs.
It promotes Botswana products in international markets by participating in outward and reverse trade missions. The outward trade missions include general and sector specific trade fairs, and contact promotion missions. BITC also capacitates exporters through the Botswana Exporter Development Programme (BEDP) which assist companies to reach export readiness status by providing technical and non-technical assistance. Other business support can be obtained from other institutions like Local Enterprise Authority, Botswana Development Corporation, Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency, Botswana Bureau of Standards and Botswana Unified Revenue Services.
Temo Ntapu is Director Research at Botswana Investment and Trade Cent
Business
Gambling Authority expects bumper attendance at IAGR conference
With just four weeks to go, the Gambling Authority of Botswana has revealed that it is expecting a record attendance at the much anticipated International Association of Gambling Regulators (IAGR) Conference, which will be held in Botswana from 16 – 19 October 2023.
According to a communique from the IAGR, the Gambling Authority will most probably break the record in the number of accredited countries that will attend the conference in Botswana.
“We are on track to match and potentially exceed the incredible delegate turnout we saw in Melbourne last year,” read a statement from IAGR’s.
In its global reach alert, IAGR revealed a glimpse of jurisdictions that will be represented at the conference, among them Australia, Canada, Denmark, Japan, Jersey, Mauritius, United Kingdom, United States and Netherlands. African countries that have so far confirmed attendance include Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya and Burundi.
Commenting on the expected bumper attendance, IAGR said the amazing diversity elevates the conference to a whole new level, which will enrich discussions with a tapestry of regulatory perspectives and insights.
Botswana won the bid to host this year’s conference last year in Melbourne, Australia. The IAGR consists of representatives from gaming and gambling regulatory organizations from around the world; with a common mission to advance the effectiveness and efficiency of gaming regulation.
According to Gambling Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Kesitilwe, the Authority is a member of the IAGR by dictates of the Gambling Act; which compels it to align with international organizations whose objectives are to regulate gambling, and build collaboration among regulators.
“The IAGR conference is held annually and hosted by different member jurisdictions. It provides opportunities for gambling and gaming regulators from around the world to engage, learn and network with industry peers through events, workshops, research, information sharing, and the development of best practices,” explained Kesitilwe.
Funding requirements for the conference are shared between IAGR, the host country and conference participants. The government of Botswana has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Gambling Authority to host IAGR; as it is in line with its objectives of promoting the country as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism destination.
According to Kesitilwe, the conference is coordinated by a Technical Committee of IAGR; together with a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) that comprises of representatives from the Ministries of Trade, Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Botswana Police Service and other stakeholders.
“We promise to deliver this hugely important event and showcase the best that Botswana has to offer. In addition to the exchange of ideas and culture capital, the Organizing Committee will also ensure maximum benefits for the tourism, hotel and hospitality industry, entertainment, transport, telecommunications, vendors, hawkers of cultural artifacts,” said Kesitilwe.
As part of preparations to host IAGR2023, the Gambling Authority recently went on a benchmarking mission to Great Britain.
“What we learnt there can assist the Gambling Authority as we enter a new era of growth and expansion. The meeting also provided a timely opportunity to catch up on preparations for IAGR2023. We are ready to host the conference and we look forward to meeting other regulators from across the world to share best practice, discuss common challenges and tackle illegal gambling,” concluded Kesitilwe.
Business
BDC on Diversity and Inclusion in the Corporate Sector and Workplace
In recent years, diversity and inclusion have emerged as crucial aspects of the corporate sector. Recognising the importance of inclusivity, the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) has taken significant steps to signal its commitment to the inclusion of all regardless of age, gender, background. By implementing a comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion policy, BDC aims to create an environment that fosters equality, attracts top talent, and promotes creativity and innovation.
BDC has demonstrated its commitment to inclusion by crafting and implementing a bespoke Diversity and Inclusion policy. This policy recognises and values the differences within its workforce, striving to create a culture of equality. By fostering an environment where all employees feel respected and supported, BDC aims to attract and retain top talent, which in turn contributes to the organisation’s overall success.
The Corporation has implemented policies and strategies that promote diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. The Diversity and Inclusion policy emphasises the value and respect for employees from diverse backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. By having this policy in place, BDC ensures that all employees are treated fairly and have equal opportunities for growth and development within the organisation.
In the realm of inclusivity, leading firms and companies have emerged as trailblazers, championing diversity and equity by implementing progressive policies and initiatives. These organisations have made significant strides in demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity through actions that support individuals with disabilities and foster work-life balance for all employees.
Microsoft actively recruits individuals with disabilities and fosters an inclusive workplace through accommodations and a dedicated resource group. Netflix offers generous paternity leave, Unilever supports surrogate parenthood and gender-neutral caregiver benefits, while IBM provides comprehensive adoption support. Companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook establish employee resource groups to amplify underrepresented voices. Adobe prioritises inclusive workplace design, and Accenture and Deloitte focus on diverse leadership representation. These companies set a powerful example, demonstrating the value of diversity and fostering a more inclusive corporate landscape.
Rising to the challenge, BDC has also taken several measures to respond to the different needs of its work force. These measures include fostering open and respectful communication, encouraging the formation of employee resource groups or affinity networks, and promoting diverse perspectives and contributions. The Corporation has also shown its commitment to inclusivity by recruiting persons with disabilities, providing paternity leave benefits, and recognising and supporting surrogate parenthood, primary caregiver benefits regardless of gender, as well as the adoption of children. These efforts demonstrate BDC’s progressive approach to embracing diversity and supporting employees in all aspects of their lives.
By so doing, The Corporation exemplifies the essence of progressiveness, embracing inclusivity as a core value. By championing diverse talent, providing supportive benefits, and fostering inclusive cultures, BDC is part of a movement that is shaping a future where every individual is valued and empowered.
Inclusion and diversity are not only moral imperatives but also strategic investments for success. BDC’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, sets an example for other organisations in Botswana and beyond. By implementing policies and strategies that create an inclusive environment, celebrating diversity, and supporting employees from all walks of life, BDC paves the way for a more equitable and inclusive corporate sector in Botswana. Embracing diversity is not only the right thing to do; it also drives innovation, boosts employee morale, and contributes to the overall success of organisations.
Business
Sales, Profit up as Choppies new strategy pays off
Choppies Enterprises Limited, a supermarket chain led by Botswana businessman Ramachandran Ottapathu, reported an increase in profit after tax which is up 3.4%, hence improving from P145 million realized in 2022, to P150 million in 2023.
The results demonstrate sustained increases in consumer demand, improved operational flexibility, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and despite stiff competition, the Group managed reduce its debt levels by paying off P263 million debt from the previous fiscal year.
The chain supermarket realized growth in Group retail sales which went up 6.5% to BWP6 433 million compared to P6 042 recorded in 2022. The growth is attributed to a broad presence across Botswana and a growing footprint in three other African countries, being South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, according to a recently financial results statement.
In Pula terms, gross profit grew by 4.0% to BWP 1 359 million (2022: BWP 1 307 million) despite the challenging economic environment. Botswana and Namibia marginally grew gross profit rates while rates in Zambia and Zimbabwe declined.
During the period under review, the group’s Group net cash generated from operating activities rose by 4.5% to P484 million, this is a significant improvement when compared to P463 million recorded in 2022. This segment was boosted by strong showing from Botswana and Namibia, which performed exceptionally despite the challenging trading conditions. Furthermore, it was driven by sixteen new stores coupled with price growth of 6.8%.
As a result of the robust financial performance, the group’s total assets increased from P1 886 million to P2 177 million, while retained losses decreased from P811 million to P664 million.
Meanwhile, the Group faced a demanding economic environment characterised by stubbornly high inflation, higher interest rates and unemployment, all of which continue to constrain consumer spending and the consumer’s ability to digest higher prices. Sales volumes were lower in many categories, exacerbated by competitor discounting, with cost pressures only partly recovered through price increases.
According to the audited results, the gross profit margin accordingly reduced to 21.1% from last year’s 21.6% due to higher supply chain costs, including fuel and managing prices in response to higher cost inflation and competitor discounting.
Furthermore, while expenses increased 5.1% excluding the depreciation restatement, expenses grew 9.8% partly due to new stores and inflation. Foreign exchange losses on lease liabilities of P31 million (against a gain of P28 million last year) were partly offset by foreign exchange gains on Zimbabwean legacy debt receipts of P18 million (2022: BWP15 million).
Operating profit (EBIT) reduced by 1.8% from BWP 279 million to BWP 274 million whilst Adjusted EBIT, which excludes foreign exchange gains and losses on lease liabilities, movements in credit loss allowances, Zimbabwean legacy debt receipts and the reassessment of depreciation, reduced by 7.5% as costs grew faster than gross profit.
CASH MANAGEMENT
According to the Choppies Enterprises financial statement commentary, the Group continues to manage its cash resources and liquidity prudently with a reduction of P132 million in debt with P87 million paid out of internally generated funds and the balance of P45 million paid out of the proceeds of the rights issue.
In addition, capital expenditure increased to P185 million when compared to 2022 fiscal year which had recorded P122 million. This was a result of the Group strategy to invest in new stores and maintaining the distribution fleet.
Choppies Enterprises raised BWP50 million from leases to fund the fleet, an improvement because in 2022 only P36 million was raised.
Despite the growth in sales, inflation and new stores, Choppies Enterprises inventory reduced by P20 million helped by more stable global supply and the benefits of implementing an inventory optimisation system.
Finally, commentary from the Choppies Enterprises Group observes that as the economies in which the Group operates recover and the new stores reach full potential, an improvement in margins is expected. “With a value proposition that resonates with customers and with the cost of everyday items still stubbornly high in too many categories, more customers are choosing Choppies for the value and assortment we are known for. While we have strong and resilient brands, affordability is a growing constraint for consumers, limiting their ability to digest higher prices,” reads a commentary on the Group’s Financial statement.
Choppies Enterprises Limited (“the Company”) is a Botswana-based investment holding company operating in the retail sector in Southern Africa. Dual-listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange (“BSE”) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (“JSE”), its are food and general merchandise retailing as well as financial service transactions supported by centralised distribution channels through distribution and logistical support centres. Each week, approximately 2.0 million customers visit 177 stores under five formats in four countries. With annual revenue of more than BWP6 billion, Choppies employs 10 000 people and is the largest grocery retailer in Southern Africa, outside of South Africa.
EVENTS AFTER REPORTING DATE
On 19 July 2023, Choppies acquired 76% (seventy-six percent) of the Kamoso Group for BWP2.00 (two Pula) and took cession of shareholders’ loans to the value of BWP22 million. The Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) will retain its 24% stake.
This acquisition will take Choppies to become a P8 billion business in revenue with 11 000 employees and 274 retail stores.
SNEAK VIEW: COUNTRY PERFORMANCESÂ
According to the financial results, Botswana experienced sales growth to BWP4 459 million an improvement from P4 209 million recorded in 2022. This was supported by volume growth from new stores and double-digit price inflation. Sales from Botswana increased by 5.9% and like-for-like sales growth was 2.2%, as the business continued to show strong resilience in an increasingly challenging economic environment. The Botswana economy continues to experience elevated inflation, high unemployment, and low economic growth.
EBITDA grew 5.8% and adjusted EBITDA was flat on last year. The performance for the second half was much stronger than in the first half as our strategies, leadership and inventory optimisation system have started to come to fruition.
As for the Rest of Africa being Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe sales increased by 7.7% to P 1 974 million, yet another improvement from 2022, which had realized P1 833 million sales. The increase was driven by the addition of nine new stores, inflationary increases in Zimbabwe and Zambia and volume growth in Namibia and Zambia. “However, this was offset by a very weak Zimbabwean Dollar resulting in Zimbabwe’s Pula sales declining by 48.3%.”
Meanwhile Namibia has successfully turned around with sales growth of 60.0% and like-for-like sales growth of 14.4%. Five new stores were opened during the year. EBITDA grew 140% with EBIT loss reducing from BWP9 million to BWP2 million. Adjusted EBIT, excluding the depreciation reassessment, reduced from BWP9 million to BWP6 million.
Connectedly, Zambia continues to grow with sales up 44.7% and like-for-like sales growth of 33.3%. Three new stores were opened during the year. While EBITDA declined by 26.4% due to the foreign exchange loss on the lease liability, adjusted EBITDA grew 27.1%. Adjusted EBIT declined marginally at 2.6%. Choppies Enterprises Directors are confident that Zambia will generate taxable profits in the foreseeable future.
Lastly in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) has significantly weakened especially in the last two months of the financial year. As a result of the above mentioned factors, Pula sales declined by 48.3%. EBIT and EBITDA declined by 151.6% and 125.5% respectively as cost inflation reduced margins. Adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA declined 133.3% and 108.1% respectively.