31 August 2023
Botswana-based businessman Jonathan Gibson has now solidified his position as one of the foremost investors on the Botswana Stock Exchange, who have achieved remarkable gains this year from their investments in publicly listed companies.
Building upon the significant wealth gains he accumulated earlier this year, Gibson, who stands among the wealthiest individuals on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has seen the market value of his stake in Chobe Holdings surge by BWP 114.91 million ($8.55 million) since August 16. This comes as investors raise their stakes in the Gaborone-based firm.
Chobe Holdings operates 12 ecotourism lodges and camps on leased land in Northern Botswana and the Caprivi Strip in Namibia under the Desert & Delta Safari brands, Chobe Game Lodge, Ker & Downey Botswana, and Sedia Riverside Hotel.
It also controls Safari Air, a wholly-owned air charter operator providing air transport services to the group’s camps and lodges, as well as North West Air Proprietary Limited, a wholly-owned air maintenance operation that provides maintenance services to the group’s aircraft and third parties.
Gibson, the deputy chairman of Chobe Holdings, who ranks as one of the richest investors on the Botswana Stock Exchange, holds 31,830,406 ordinary shares in the Gaborone-based tourism group. In the past 15 days, the share price of Chobe Holdings has increased by 32.38%, from BWP11.15 ($0.8265) on August 16 to BWP14.76 ($1.0943) at the time of writing, thus leading to gains amounting to millions of dollars for its shareholders, including Gibson.
As a result of the double-digit percentage bump in the group’s share price, the market value of Gibson’s stake has increased by BWP114.91 million ($8.55 million), rising from BWP354.92 million ($26.41 million) to BWP469.83 million ($34.96 million) at the time of writing. The remarkable increase in Chobe Holdings shares highlights the significant achievements of the group and demonstrates the optimism surrounding its performance in the market.
At the end of its 2023 fiscal year, the group rebounded from a loss of BWP42.45 million ($3.14 million) in 2022 to a substantial profit of BWP104.59 million ($7.75 million). This impressive turnaround showcases Chobe Holdings’ resilience and successful strategies, positioning it as a strong and profitable player in the industry.
