Chobe Holdings Ltd. posted its strongest financial performance, with rising tourist demand helping the Botswana stock Exchange listed eco-tourism operator increase profits, expand its regional footprint and deepen its contribution to the domestic economy.
The Maun-headquartered company reported revenue of P714 million for the year ended February 28, 2026, up 12% from the previous year, while net profit climbed 24% to P172 million. Earnings per share increased 25% to 195 thebe and the board declared a net dividend of 70 thebe per share, a 17% increase from a year earlier.
The results are an indication of the resilience of Botswana’s high-end tourism sector and position Chobe as one of the country’s strongest corporate success stories. The group said it generated P513 million in value during the year, with more than 90% retained within Botswana through employee compensation, taxes and local reinvestment.
Beyond commercial operations, Chobe continued to invest in social and environmental initiatives through Chobe Impact. More than P9 million was committed to community programmes, including support for schools, vocational training, museum refurbishment and conservation projects. The company also expanded solar-energy installations across its lodges.
Employees received the largest share of the value created. Chobe invested more than P168 million in wages, salaries and benefits, reflecting its focus on attracting and retaining skilled hospitality and tourism professionals in a competitive market.
The company also emerged as a major contributor to government revenues. It paid P129 million in taxes, royalties and licence fees, while collecting and remitting a further P69.3 million in value-added tax, bringing its total contribution to the national treasury to nearly P200 million.
“Our listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange means that everyone has the opportunity to own a piece of one of their country’s most enduring and successful industries,” Board Chairperson Myra Sekgororoane said. She described investment in the company as “an act of economic citizenship” available to ordinary Batswana.
Managing Director Lempheditse Odumetse said the results reflected the efforts of employees across the group’s operations and reinforced the company’s strategy of investing in people and communities. Odumetse, who joined the business as a waiter in 1999 and now leads the company, said long-term success depended on creating opportunities for Batswana throughout the tourism value chain.
Strong financial performance also enabled further expansion. During the year, Chobe opened King Lewanika Lodge in Zambia’s Liuwa Plain National Park and Maxa Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The company also secured a concession to develop Musesenji Camp in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi, scheduled to open in 2027.
The additions bring the group’s portfolio to sixteen lodges and camps across Botswana, Namibia and Zambia, strengthening its position as one of Southern Africa’s leading eco-tourism operators.
Beyond commercial operations, Chobe continued to invest in social and environmental initiatives through Chobe Impact. More than P9 million was committed to community programmes, including support for schools, vocational training, museum refurbishment and conservation projects. The company also expanded solar-energy installations across its lodges.
With advance bookings for the 2027 financial year already exceeding P92 million, the group enters the new year with strong visibility on future demand. Management said the momentum reflects sustained international interest in Botswana’s wildlife tourism offering and provides a platform for continued growth.
