12 May 2024

Diversification of revenue streams is critical in the rapid changing business landscape as it can provide a cushion during tough times and help entities maintain stability in the face of uncertainty.

In a bid to mitigate risks and increase stability, community based organizations (CBOs) continue to diversify their revenue streams One such CBO is Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust which aims to maintain a more stable level of revenue over time and build resilience.

Initially, the trust main revenue sources were land rental and gate fees and now it plans to construct internet towers in strategic areas and connect villages around such areas in an effort to diversify its revenue sources.

The trust general manager, Mr Seikaneng Moepedi said this when presenting a report on new investment opportunities by the trust during a meeting recently.

He said efforts were ongoing to create multiple sources of revenue for the survival of the trust, adding  that plans were underway to construct internet towers with the first phase of internet base station to be built at Boro, Khiri Camp and Xaxaba settlement in the Okavango Delta.

The trust, he said had partnered with Admira Solution to build the internet tower connection in NG32 concession to supply villages and safari camps operating in the area.
“We are embracing the mindset change concept and accommodate other developments such as digitalisation to enable digital inclusion by ensuring members of the community enjoy the use of technology at the comfort of their homes/businesses.

This is another investment stream to bring revenue into the trust and it is pleasing as some safari companies such as Xigera has already showed interest to partner with us and benefit from the development,” he added.

Rapid expansion of internet connectivity, he said had economic benefits citing that its penetration could drive economic development through its impacts on both the supply-side and the demand side of an economy.

Mr Moepedi also said rural communities would have opportunities for digital transformation including the ability to participate in the digital economy.

He said the trust had been relying much on gate fees which he said generated over P2.9 million and land rental which accumulated over P8 million for the financial year ending December 31, 2023. He shared that for this year, they were anticipating to raise over P9 million from land rentals and over P3.3 million from gate fees.

The trust generates revenue by charging gate fees  to tourists who enter the concession and community members also benefit financially because the tourists pay them directly for the guiding services.

Further, he informed the meeting that the trust had registered a company called OKMCT Investment Public Limited which was tasked to oversee the smooth running and management of the envisaged OKMCT mini mall.

Last year, the trust proposed construction of a double storey mini mall opposite its offices at Boronyane ward in Maun and the envisaged project entails shopping centre and a filling station space.

However, Mr Moepedi said they were at the final stage of the drawings after which they would submit to relevant authorities for approval. “We hope the first phase of construction will commence mid this year and we are happy to announce that the first floor of the facility is fully booked as tenants had already showed interest to rent”.

The investment arm of the trust, he said would also focus on the running of the Central Block campsite, establish a training school component which would offer courses related to tourism industry as well as leadership courses. ENDS