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Business as usual for Air Botswana as coronavirus hangs airborne

This week the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has forecasted that the impact of the coronavirus could result in passenger airlines losing up to P1.3 trillion in revenues this year while listed airline prices have fallen on average of nearly 25 percent since the outbreak of the deadly virus last year.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak recorded the first case in China last year November, it has since spread across the globe, causing fatalities, fear and economic lows. China is the world’s largest exporter of goods since 2009, its coronavirus deaths have this week exceeded 3000 as the virus continues to spread across the globe. The world is anxious that the almost dependent second biggest economy will also export the coronavirus.

Coronavirus may be shipped or transported by airlines to Botswana. When the World Health Organization (WHO) defines contact with an infected person as being seated within two rows of one another, this could explain how coronavirus spreads inside an airline. National flag carrier Air Botswana just like other airlines across the globe is scanning passengers for coronavirus at airports. “Considering that this health crisis is now of global magnitude and some events are either being cancelled or differed, some business impact is to be expected,” Air Botswana Public Relations and Communications Manager Kefilwe Kebafetotse told BusinessPost this week.

Kebafetotse however explained that at this time it would not be clear to discern the impact of coronavirus on the national airline. She said as this is generally a low airline activity period (known as low season), it would be to establish a clear discernible pattern and determine how much could be attributed to this global health crisis. “This is a low season period which makes impact measurement difficult, advance bookings seem to be not significantly affected from the norm over the next 90 days. The situation over the peak travel period (June to August) will largely depend on the handling of the crisis over the next 30 days or so. Currently our level of operation is comparable to the same period in prior years,” said Kebafetotse.

On Thursday the first case of coronavirus was recorded in South Africa, Botswana’s neighbour and main importer of goods. Between South Africa and Botswana, there are 79 direct flights between Gaborone and Johannesburg covering a distance of 291 kilometres in around 56 minutes. Batswana on social media who usually travel to Botswana by road or air were worried that their neighbour may just sneeze the virus on them. But the problem comes from China where the virus has established itself as incurable and deadly. According to statistics, Botswana exports from China was P570 million during 2018, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

Air Botswana spokesperson Kebafetotse said passengers will note modifications to their boarding procedures so as to accommodate coronavirus control precautionary measures. She said the travelling community and the public are also urged to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions, as advised by health authorities. An eye observation at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport shows a routine check when one jumps off an aircraft, followed by a coronavirus form then few detecting machines and sterilization of hands. But this is not enough for most Batswana who have taken their panic to social media networks.

The ever calm and well-groomed Air Botswana hostess clad in blue dresses always wearing faces oozing with confidence have shown their typical class, assuring safety of passengers and that it is business as usual. However during an observation few days ago when an aircraft landed at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, the usual on duty classy countenance always held by air hostesses escaped one face as anxiety took over when she remarked, “where are all these Chinese coming from…I am scared, are we really safe from coronavirus.” She said these words in vernacular as she watched few face masked passengers appearing to originate from the coronavirus infested regions, holding red and black passports engraved in what seemed to be Mandarin letters.

“The approach to handling and managing CONVID-19 in this county is not limited to AirBotswana, there are other two (2) key stakeholders who are playing even bigger roles namely; Ministry of Health – Public Health Authorities and Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB). Air Botswana on a regular basis engages with these stakeholders to monitor developments related to the CONVID-19,” reminded Kebafetotse.

She said the Civil Aviation Authority has issued guidelines on Communicable Disease Response Procedure, which the Airline adheres to. “Additional steps to provide assurances emanate from our Operations Manual on Managing Communicable Diseases. You may have noticed that Ministry of Health, through Health Port provide temperature scans on arrival and departure,” Kebafetotse told BusinessPost.

At the beginning of last month Botswana and China agreed to limit travel by citizens of both countries as part of measures to reduce the spread of the deadly coronavirus. That is when Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Zhao Yanbo said those who recently arrived from China are advised to self-house at least 14 days from time of arrival. He said about 150 Chinese who have been to China have volunteered to self-contain.

Minister of Health and Wellness Lemogang Kwape had last month assured Parliament that measures are put in place to ensure the disease does not spread into the country. At the beginning of last month WHO Representative Dr Josephine Namboze and Kwape toured key facilities including the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in the capital Gaborone, the isolation facility in Block 8 and Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, in case of increasing numbers of people needing isolation and management. It is reported that Dr Namboze and Minister Kwape had also toured the busiest land border post between Botswana and South Africa to monitor health facilities and staff. That is the time when the country had 5 suspected cases of coronavirus and until now no confirmed case has been recorded.

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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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