Sefalana MD Chauhan Clarifies Ownership as Company Expands Regional Footprint

Sefalana MD Chauhan Clarifies Ownership as Company Expands Regional Footprint. Sefalana Holding Company Limited Group Managing Director Chandra Chauhan has clarified that he is not the owner of the retail group, stating that the company is largely owned by Batswana individuals and institutions.

Speaking at the opening of the 19th Botswana Consumer Fair, Chauhan said he has led Sefalana for 23 years but personally holds a 5.8% stake in the company.

“I have just been running it for 23 years, and I can tell you that the business is owned by Botswana,” he said.

According to Chauhan, approximately 97% of Sefalana is owned by Botswana individuals and institutions. The Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) is the largest shareholder, with a 49.4% stake.

Other institutional shareholders mentioned by Chauhan include the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, which holds 10%, and another pension fund with a 9% stake.

Chauhan also reflected on Sefalana’s growth during his tenure, saying the company’s annual turnover increased from P237 million in 2004 to approximately P12 billion last year.

He said profits also grew from P1.4 million to P550 million over the same period.

Sefalana has developed from a local wholesale operation into a regional business with operations in Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho, while also maintaining investments in South Africa and Australia.

At the Consumer Fair, Chauhan also encouraged local exhibitors and producers to engage with Sefalana after the event.He said the company was prepared to inspect products and facilities and consider listing products that meet its required standards.

“We want to give them their first order,” Chauhan said, highlighting the importance of established companies creating opportunities for emerging local businesses.

He said Sefalana’s development could demonstrate to local entrepreneurs that Botswana businesses can expand beyond the domestic market.