Via an extensive localisation strategy, Stefanutti Stocks Botswana strives to grow its presence as the preferred construction partner of choice in the country.
INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE FROM EXPERTS
As one of Botswana’s leading construction contractors, Stefanutti Stocks Botswana has built a substantial portfolio of public and private projects in the country, contributing to not only local infrastructures, but Botswana’s GDP via its extensive localisation staffing plan; with hopes to achieve 99 percent local staff capacity.
Currently undertaking a completion contract for Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA), Gaborone, and Kasane Airport, Kasane, the construction giant continues to look towards the government to secure further large scale projects that will further enhance the country’s infrastructure. “Backed by our years of experience, Group reputation and quality of work, we are waiting in the wings to take on new projects,” says Tim Stow, General Manager of Stefanutti Stocks Botswana.
ECONOMIC CLIMATE
With China rising to contention for the tendering of construction projects in Botswana, the industry grows more price-competitive for companies like Stefanutti Stocks, and Stow hopes it will emerge above the others as a truly African company: “Government spending in our sector is currently very low due to economic conditions beyond our control, this is affecting everyone in the industry at the moment and business is sporadic.
“As a result of our wider Stefanutti Stocks Group presence, we hope to rise above the parapet as we draw on our South African resources and expertise. If we have a major contract in Botswana for example, we are able to source the initial project managers from South Africa if needs be.”
However, according to some analysts, Botswana’s GDP is forecast to grow up to five percent in 2015, driven by a potential recovery in diamond production, the economy is expected to experience a “ripple effect” which will be filtered through government expenditure in other key areas including the construction industry.
In order to stand the best chance of standing out from the competition as the climate improves, Stefanutti Stocks has a localisation strategy that will sustain the reputation of the Botswana division going forward.
“At present, we have an 80 percent local staff contingent, with the rest comprising expats from across our other African operations. Ultimately though, we strive to be fully local as this is a vital part of our localisation strategy, which is a long-term goal for the company,” says Stow.
Not only is having the right staff, delivering a project on time and on budget all key factors in construction success, but building those all important, long-lasting relationships with key business partners also plays a crucial role in maintaining a leading market position as a contractor as Stow further explains: “When doing business in a tough economic environment, solid strategic partners are required to demonstrate our capabilities.
“For example, PPC Cement Botswana is a major supplier of ours and we have worked together for more than 10 years through thick and thin.”
The duo is a strong advocate of quality and is responsible for the construction of first-class, high quality builds with timely delivery.
DIVERSIFYING
In terms of future opportunities, Stow says Stefanutti Stocks Botswana may have to look further afield to keep the business pouring in.
“Botswana is one of our longstanding markets and it is important for us as a Group to remain here. Consequently, we have begun exploring the possibility of becoming a general contractor for civil works including pipelines, structural engineering and so on,” he says.
Moreover, the Group has vast amounts of experience working in South Africa’s mining and roads & earthworks sectors, which it may look to capitalise on in Botswana as part of a long-term strategy that promises Stefanutti Stocks a future where the possibilities are touted to continue growing.
