- He is the epitome of homegrown entrepreneur
- His Group of companies currently employs 106
The story of Mr. Godiraone Des Olatotse is not just a tale of personal ambition but a vivid illustration of Botswana’s evolving economic landscape. From humble beginnings as a finance graduate of the University of Botswana’s inaugural batch in 2006 to a pioneering entrepreneur shaping multiple industries, Olatotse’s trajectory embodies the opportunities and challenges that come with forging success in a developing economy. His journey through corporate corridors, marked by stints at major banks like Bank of Botswana, Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays Bank Limited, and Stanbic Bank, laid a foundation of financial acumen and relationship management that would prove invaluable in his business ventures.
Olatotse’s early corporate career, spanning credit analysis, project monitoring, and relationship management, was characterized by a steady accumulation of skills critical to understanding the financial and operational dynamics of Botswana’s key sectors. His time in the banking supervision department at the Bank of Botswana and subsequent roles in commercial banking exposed him to the intricacies of corporate finance and client relations. This experience was pivotal when he shifted gears in 2012, stepping into entrepreneurship with a butchery venture in Francistown, a challenging initiation that taught him the unforgiving nature of retail business. The lessons from this setback were instrumental in his next move—partnering to open the first Indo-Asian cuisine restaurant at Sebele Centre, which further honed his business sense and confirmed the mantra that “retail is detail.”
The leap from food retail to technology and fuel logistics marked a turning point. In collaboration with Mr. Aobakwe Magogwe, Olatotse co-founded E Drive Technology Botswana, one of the country’s leading vehicle tracking and fleet management companies. This enterprise tapped into the growing need for efficient transport solutions in Botswana’s mining and transportation sectors, providing services like vehicle tracking, fuel management, and data mining. E Drive Technology has since established itself as a market leader with branches in Gaborone and Letlhakane, employing over ten people and demonstrating the potential of tech-driven solutions in a traditionally resource-based economy.
Parallel to this, Olatotse nurtured his vision in the fuel distribution sector. Sky Bridge Capital, founded in 2014, began as a bold venture into fuel resale and distribution, a sector dominated by established players and capital-intensive operations. Starting with benefits from previous formal employment Stanbic Bank which was insufficient, Olatotse’s determination and the faith of mentors like Mr. Mosalagae Sesupeng, who provided security for a BECI-backed loan, were crucial in securing initial capital. This trust-based financial innovation underscored the importance of relationships in Botswana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, where formal credit access remains a formidable barrier for many.
Additional support came from another mentor in the late Mr. Kenneth Seabelo Tlhaselo, who offered Sky Bridge Capital’s initial contract to supply fuel exclusively to Seabelo Express in Francistown. This was a strategic foothold, leveraging strong relationships with key bus operators. The company’s growth was rapid but not without operational headaches, particularly in logistics. Delivery delays and fuel shortages exposed vulnerabilities in third-party transporter reliability, prompting Olatotse to launch Sky Bridge Logistics in 2018. This new entity was designed to address transport challenges head-on, acquiring tankers funded by banks that recognized the synergies and growth potential between the two companies. The integration of logistics and fuel supply under a unified management not only improved operational efficiency but also positioned the business as a formidable player in Botswana’s fuel supply chain.
The entrepreneurial narrative here is one of resilience, innovation, and strategic diversification. Olatotse’s decision to invest in infrastructure, such as a fuel depots in Francistown, and to expand sourcing fuel from Walvis Bay in Namibia, illustrates a visionary approach to mitigating supply risks and enhancing service reliability. This cross-border operation tapped into Botswana Oil’s policy of allowing citizen companies with proven track records to diversify fuel sourcing, a move that reflects broader government efforts to secure energy supply and promote local industry participation.
The mentorship and grooming lessons offered by both Sesupeng and Tlhaselo came in handy during difficult times. These trials include but not limited to significant losses due to fuel siphoning by Bulk Vehicle Operators, tested Olatotse’s leadership and crisis management skills. His quick pivot to deploy advanced security systems from E Drive Technology to safeguard tankers highlighted his commitment to leveraging technology for operational integrity. This decisive action not only curbed losses but also cemented his reputation as a leader who turns setbacks into setup for future success. Investments in technology remain a key valuer differentiator in Sky Bridge Logistics’ operations.
Sky Bridge’s evolution culminated in winning a prestigious contract to deliver fuel to Debswana Mines after years of steady growth and rigorous vetting. The contract’s scale necessitated further capital investment, secured again through First National Bank, underscoring the importance of building strong banking relationships and maintaining robust financial records in Botswana’s competitive business environment. This milestone marked Sky Bridge as one of only four local companies trusted with such a vital national contract, a testament to Olatotse’s perseverance and strategic foresight.
Looking beyond immediate operational concerns, Olatotse’s expansion strategy included forging partnerships with established regional fuel suppliers in South Africa and Mozambique. The November 2024 acquisition of 12 additional transport units, funded by First National Bank, positioned Sky Bridge as a competitive peer to multinational logistics firms operating in the region. This expansion symbolizes a critical shift from local to regional competitiveness, reflecting Botswana’s broader economic aspirations amid a transport sector that is being bolstered by governmental infrastructure investments.
Understanding the need for corporate governance and long-term sustainability, Olatotse moved to formalize Sky Bridge Logistics’ structure by establishing a Board of Directors, appointing respected figures such as Mr. Leutlwetse Tumelo as founding chairman, Mr Robson Mugomba (Non Executive Director), Ms. Nthabiseng Khubeka (South African) (Non Executive Director), Mr. Rahepa Hiyoveni (Finance Director, Executive Director) and Mr. Godiraone Olatotse, Managing Director, Executive Direcctor) Ms. Khubeka was appointed replacing Mr. Willie Mokgatle who has since taken a full time Country Managing role at Prax Energies (formerly Total Energies). This governance framework is part of a deliberate plan to professionalize management and prepare the company for an eventual listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE). Such a move would not only open ownership to the public, particularly Batswana citizens, but also mark a significant step in the maturation of Botswana’s private sector, signaling confidence in local enterprises to participate in capital markets.
According to Olatotse, the primary beneficiaries of this initiative will be the industry as a whole. Citizens of Botswana will have the opportunity to acquire ownership stakes in a well-established company distinguished by a robust corporate structure, a meticulously crafted strategy and vision, and a steadfast commitment to corporate governance.
Olatotse himself has evolved remarkably—from a young, ambitious entrepreneur who actively sought mentorship from experienced business leaders to a prominent figure with diverse interests spanning hospitality, insurance, property development, and fuel transportation. His group of companies currently employs 106 individuals on long-term contracts and an additional 23 on short-term agreements. Entrepreneurs of Olatotse’s caliber are precisely what Botswana needs to foster the growth of future business leaders. The words of appreciation from his chairman are short, “We commend you, Mr. Olatotse, for your exemplary contributions.”
Botswana’s economic context frames Olatotse’s story within a nation striving to diversify beyond diamond mining, with growth forecasts for 2025 hovering around 3.3% after recent contractions. The transport and logistics sectors, crucial for national commerce and regional trade, are receiving increased attention and investment, offering fertile ground for entrepreneurs like Olatotse to innovate and expand. His ventures exemplify how private sector dynamism can complement government-led infrastructure and economic diversification efforts.
What emerges from this portrait is a narrative of a businessman whose financial expertise, strategic risk-taking, and commitment to community and partnerships have propelled him from the first ever Bachelor of Finance group of graduates from The University of Botswana to a leader in multiple industries. Mr. Godiraone Des Olatotse’s journey is not merely about personal success but reflects the aspirations and challenges of a growing economy where local entrepreneurship is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of sustainable development. His story offers lessons in resilience, innovation, and the power of relationships in transforming ideas into impactful, thriving businesses.
