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It’s a buy for property stock

The Botswana Stock Exchange’s domestic Company Index (DCI) is at a one year low after contradicting by 10% since the beginning of the year. The DCI comprises of 22 listed local companies on the domestic counter and it is a market weighted index. The DCI is dragged down by losses in the financial and retail stocks that make up majority of the domestic listed companies.

However, the six listed property stocks have been resilient in what appears to be a bearish market, delivering capital gains above the DCI. We take a look at the top four property companies that are delighting their shareholders, especially the Botswana Public Pension Fund which has stakes in both companies.

New African Properties

New African Properties(NAP) is not only the best performing property stock  but at 11%  year-to-date(YTD) returns, it is the overall second best performing stock in the DCI, coming second to Botswana Insurance Holding Limited(BIHL).

This is a reversal of fortunes from last year when the group’s ranked third amongst property companies after delivering 22% in share price increase. The company broke records in June in what was the single biggest day trade in the history of the BSE after the company traded 26% of its issued capital worth P457.3 million.

NAP was listed on the BSE in 2011, with a total of 604 397 124 issued units. According to NAP’s 2015 annual report, the majority of the units are owned by body corporate/trusts at 80 percent, followed by insurance companies, pension/equity funds at 13.6 percent while individuals hold 6.4 percent of issued units.

Of all issued units, the public accounts for 20.1 percent and the rest lies solidly with directors’ interests. The largest unit holder is Cash Bazaar Holdings (Pty) Ltd with 79.3 percent stake. In 2015, the company’s traded units were at 1.98 percent of the total issued units, making the June trade the biggest of the company since its existence.

NAP owns properties such as Riverwalk Mall, Riverwalk Plaza and Kagiso Mall in Gaborone, Mafenyatlala Mall in Molepolole, Kasane Mall and Mokoro Centre in Maun. The portfolio comprises primarily of prime retail sites with  a strong tenant base, including Pick ‘n Pay, Spar, Choppies, Mr Price, Woolworths, Pep, Cashbuild, Furnmat, CB Stores, Ackermans, Cape Union Mart, Exclusive Books, FNB, Hi-Fi Corporation, Home Corp, Incredible Connection, Jet, KFC, Nando's, New Capitol Cinema, Mugg & Bean, JB Sports, Truworths and many others.

RDC Properties

The second best performing property stock belongs to RDC properties after its share price appreciated by 6% since the beginning of the year. The Share price is currently trading at P2.65. In the previous year the share price surged by 27%, making it the second best performing property stock.

RDC Properties is the first variable rate loan stock company to list on the Botswana Stock Exchange in 1996. The company selectively develops and invests in modern commercial, industrial and residential buildings in prominent locations in Botswana and Madagascar.

RDCP’s property portfolio value surpassed the P1 billion mark in 2015, and the portfolio includes Masa Centre, Chobe Marina Lodge, Standard Chartered House in main mall, Isalo Rock Lodge in Madagascar and RDC flats. The company plans to expand to Namibia and Mozambique with plans in Namibia progressing well after the group reserved a holding company name that will carry out developments after land has been allocated.

The group’s 2015 annual report lists the top unit holders as Realestate Financiere SA, the controlling shareholder at 31.47%, Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) at 31.6% (the units are held through various nominees),  while Chobe Financial Corporation, Aspera Holdings Limited and Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) each hold 16.62%, 3.74% and 3.70% respectively.

TURNSTAR HOLDINGS

The Gulaam Abdoola led property giant continues to impress its shareholders as the market correctly prices the value of the stock which has spiked by 5.5%  in the last 8 months to trade at P3.24. The gains extend the group’s spectacular performance as it ended the previous year as the fourth best performing stock in the domestic board after returning 47% in capital gains.

The group’s property portfolio is valued at P1.7 billion, a portfolio that includes Game City, the largest indoor mall in Botswana and Mlimani City, the largest purpose built indoor shopping centre in Tanzania. The group also owns Nzano Shopping Centre in Francistown, Mogoditshane Supa Save mall, Turnstar House in Mall, Fairgrounds Office Park, Tapologa Estates and other residential and retail properties.

Turnstar Holdings is in the last stages of Game City expansion which when complete will modernise the existing common areas, toilets, entrances and shop fronts of the centre. An additional 9,000 sq.m exhibition hall comprising of restaurants, a food court, multi-function entertainment area, exhibition hall and playground is being constructed on the upper level with a view of the Kgale Hill.

The group is also extending its Mlimani city through additions of two office blocks, a new ticket parking system and refurbishment of the conference centre. The ongoing works are expected to improve the group’s revenue. The Group’s top ten linked unitholders include BPOPF, GH Group, Associated Investment and Development Corporation, Botswana Insurance Fund Management, Debswana Pension Fund and Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.

PRIMETIME HOLDINGS

The group’s property value which is in the north of P750 million and spans the office, retail and industrial sectors with the bulk of revenues coming from the highly competitive and saturated office sector. The group was the fourth best performing property stock in 2015 at 12% share price appreciation. The stock which is now trading at P3.05 is up by 4.8% since the beginning of the year.

The group owns a stellar portfolio comprising of Prime Plaza Buildings in the CBD, Sebele Centre Mall, Letshego Place, South Africa High Commission Building, DHL Building, and G4S headquarters. In Francistown, they own Nswazi Mall and Mantlo House after disposing of Barclays Plaza and Blue Jacket Square Mall to BPOPF. Other properties include Hillside Mall in Lobatse, Boiteko Mall in Serowe, Ramotswa Shopping Centre, Ghanzi Shopping Centre. In the region, the group operates two buildings in Lusaka and Kitwe which houses G4s offices.

Primetime which is set to open its new Pilane Crossing Mall is currently locked in an impasse with the Ministry of Trade and Investment over trade licenses concerning South African companies that are leased as tenants. The Ministry is refusing to grant trade licenses since the Trade act stipulates that such licenses are reserved for citizens. However the silver lining is that the licenses will be approved if the involved retailers cede 51% of shareholding to citizens.  

The top major linked unitholders list is led by Linwood Services Limited with 25.99% shareholding, BPOPF has a stake of 16.88% through its nominee, Tati Company Limited holds 14.23%, Metropolitan Life Botswana has 7.51%, while Debswana Pension Fund and D.P Training both hold 3.41% and 3.34% 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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