Overseas Development Enterprises

ABOUT US

Overseas Development Enterprises is a diversified investment holding company, structured under 3 distinct verticals.

Trans African Wholesalers opened its doors for trading in 1970. It is one of the countries most recognized and trusted names. TRANS is a mass discounter of foodstuff and liquor and trades in two formats depending upon location : Traditional Wholesale or Low Cost Retail. TRANS quietly celebrated its 50th anniversary in the year of the Pandemic. It is ODE’s flagship business and has touched the lives of 3 generations of Batswana. Our customers include parastatals, corporates, large and small retailers and the food and hospitality sector.

JUMBO is the leading retailer of hair care, cosmetics, white goods, and general merchandise. It’s customer base extends beyond Botswana’s borders.

Liquor Stop was launched in 2006. It offers a one stop shopping solution in a convenient retail format.

25 Stores, 12 Locations, 1 041 TRANSformers, … and Growing

Property

We have been actively involved in commercial and residential property developments spanning four decades. In 2017, we completed the development of the iconic iTowers precinct, the country’s first mixed use, sectional title property scheme. Being the tallest buildings in Botswana, the iTowers are the most prominent feature of the Gaborone skyline. ODE also holds a significant and diverse portfolio of prime property assets, as a long term investor in real estate.

INVESTMENT

As long term investors in real estate, we also hold a significant and diverse portfolio of prime property assets across the country.
PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

DEVELOPMENT

ODE has been actively involved in commercial and residential property developments spanning four decades. In 2017, we completed the iconic iTowers Precinct, the country’s first mixed use, sectional title property scheme. Being the tallest buildings in Botswana, the iTowers are the most prominent feature of the Gaborone skyline.
DEVELOPMENT VALUE BWP (MN)

HOSPITALITY

ODE Hospitality owns and operates five properties across the country. Our Hotels provide fresh and modern facilities and have raised the bar for budget accommodation and banqueting in the country.
Room50two, a boutique hotel located within in the iTowers, is arguably the best business hotel in Botswana.
The Kalahari Arms is the oldest Hotel in the Kgalagadi District of Botswana. We acquired this heritage property in 2018 and have transformed it into a ‘’Jewel in the desert’’.
We will similarly modernize the Oasis Motel, which we acquired in 2019. Both these properties are well established in Botswana.

CORPORATE VALUE SYSTEM

We attribute our long legacy of success to our Corporate Value System. These time-honoured values guide our business and personal relationships. They compel us to adhere to the fundamental tenets of honesty, integrity and fair business dealings. While this may seem counterintuitive in the world of business, it is the cornerstone of our success and has enabled us to build a formidable company.

We strive to:

Keep things simple

Be straightforward and reliable

Deliver on our promises

Demonstrate professionalism

Pay our suppliers and service providers on time

MANAGEMENT

MANHAR MOONEY
Chairman

Manhar is the founder of ODE. He has been an entrepreneur since age 17 and has wide ranging experience in manufacturing, trading, finance and property development. He is well known for his philanthropy and has been awarded the highest honours from The Lions Club and Rotary International. He was also awarded the Presidential Order for Meritorious Service by the President of Botswana in. His biggest strength is his ability to trust people; a quality that allows others the room to grow into their own strengths and become leaders themselves.

GAURANG MOONEY
CEO | B.A. (Economics & Finance)

Gaurang has 30 years of experience in FMCG and Property Development. He is an avid reader and has a keen interest in financial markets.

AMBALAL BAROT
Director & Head of Procurement

Ambalal joined ODE in 1980. He has 41 years of experience in the FMCG sector and heads up procurement for the groups Trading segment. Ambalal is a well-known personality in the FMCG universe.

HITEN UPADHYAY
CEO Trading | B.Com FCA (ICAI)

Hiten is a chartered accountant and has 22 years of experience in the FMCG sector. He is a risk-taker and an instinctive businessman who thrives on entrepreneurship. Hiten is a fierce negotiator and a soft-hearted leader. He lives by the philosophy of ‘forgive and forget’.

JUSTIN JOSE
CEO Hospitality & Head of Business Development | B.Com FCA (ICAI)

Justin joined ODE in 2005. In his capacity as head of Business Development he is responsible for identifying new opportunities for the group and driving our strategic expansion. He is also the CEO of our Hospitality business. Justin is a straightforward leader. He is organised, pragmatic and forward-thinking. His approach to business is cautious and strategic.

MADHUSUDHAN MARTHU
Chief Accountant | B.Com FCA (ICAI)

Madhu joined ODE in 2008. He is a Chartered Accountant and is responsible for all treasury and accounting functions of the organisation.
Madhu is adept at handling several different portfolios simultaneously, with the same amount of diligence and care. Madhu is a mild natured personality and never loses his composure.

A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVES

"Over the past 40 years, ODE has painstakingly built and nurtured powerful businesses that are significant players in their respective segments. Most importantly, we have won the trust and loyalty of suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. We jealously guard our hard earned reputation.

As ODE moves boldly into the future, we are committed to becoming more agile and adaptable to the changing needs of the marketplace.

We look forward to continuing the legacy of building professional, ethical and sustainable enterprises, for the benefit of our shareholders, partners, staff and the communities in which we do business. We will continue to create employment opportunities for our citizens, and provide upward mobility for our most talented staff.

We will trust in each other and our abilities, making full use of our diverse strengths and backgrounds, and create a conducive environment for new leadership, collaboration and growth. We will remain loyal not just to each other, but to the idea of making ODE better."

Manhar, Ambalal, Gaurang, Hiten, Justin, Madhu