Engen spot bright prospects ahead
Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) listed oil-company, Engen Botswana has announced intentions to continue investing and expanding footprint on the local market. “We continuously seek to improve our operating performance and maximise sustainable results,” said Engen chairman, Shabani Ndzinge in the company’s latest annual report released to shareholders, this week.
“Additional service stations are earmarked for 2019, and we expect to continue to grow our retail facility footprint during 2019 and beyond,” he added.Engen wants to develop its retail network until reaching a level of critical concentration that will be consistent with its strategic objectives, as the commercial side of the business continues to be an important component, according to the company.
Last year, a number of new retail sites were streamed, which include Engen Palapye Riverview and Engen Bokaa. And the new retail outlets include convenience facilities such as Quick Shops and food offerings. As the company sees a positive future, emphasis is also on health, safety, security, the environment, our ethics and core beliefs, Ndzinge said.
He further said several indicators including improving employment figures suggest that the economy has largely recovered from the effects of the closure of BCL mine and associated support industries. “We remain convinced that steady growth and increasing diversification will see a stronger Botswana economy in the short to medium-term.” On the other hand the company says it strives to attract and retain highly qualified and motivated employees.
“Engen endeavours to close skills gaps and keep employees up-to-date with the latest market trends in their respective areas of operation, and maintains a robust programme for people development, aimed at building and supporting our most important asset – our people.”
Engen is also optimistic that government’s plans to create a conducive environment in which the private sector can develop augurs well for future economic growth. The company also believes the continued economic diversification away from mining output to other non-mining sectors is likely to create further growth opportunities. “We therefore expect the company to show strong performance in 2019 in both the retail and commercial arms of the business.”
Ndzinge emphasized that the company will continue to grow its market position in the years to come, as the local market still has room for growth despite the significant number of new retail facilities being built in the country. Engen is a petroleum company specializing in fuels and lubricants sales and distribution. It operates filling stations nationwide to service the retail market. Primary customers are the mines, government, parastatals, construction and transport sector.