A Legacy of Growth and Expansion Founded in 1970, ODE has grown into a diversified powerhouse, leaving a lasting imprint on the wholesale, retail, hospitality, and property sectors.
Over the decades, ODE as the holding company and its various trading subsidiaries have continuously adapted to market demands, ensuring that its customers and business partners receive high-quality products and services across its operations. In addition to its success in trading, ODE has played a pivotal role in the hospitality industry. The company has not only acquired well-established lodges but has also built new hospitality destinations, contributing to the growth of regional tourism.
Our portfolio of hotels and lodges reflects a commitment to providing world-class accommodation and experiences, reinforcing ODE’s reputation as a key player in the sector. Beyond retail and hospitality, ODE has significantly impacted the real estate landscape by developing modern shopping malls, commercial properties and a large portfolio of residential properties.
The company has strategically invested in prime locations, creating retail hubs that cater to growing urban and suburban communities. These developments have not only enhanced customer convenience but also stimulated local economies by attracting major tenants and providing employment opportunities.
Today, ODE continues to expand its influence, leveraging decades of expertise and innovation to drive new ventures. Its diversification into insurance services further strengthens its ability to meet the evolving needs of its customers, ensuring financial security through risk policies tailored to funeral and credit life coverage. With a legacy built on strategic acquisitions, expansion, and development, ODE remains a cornerstone of growth and stability in the region.
Our success is built on a strong Corporate Value System that shapes both our business and personal relationships. Honesty, integrity, and fair dealings are not just principles—we see them as the foundation of our growth.
We focus on clear processes and streamlined operations to deliver value without unnecessary complexity.
Transparency is key to building trust with our partners, clients, and teams.
When we make a promise, we follow through—on time and with integrity.
Excellence, respect, and reliability define the way we work.
Strong partnerships start with fairness, and we value every contributor to our success.
Manhar Mooney 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.
Mark Smith qualified as an Attorney and practiced for a short while and then became the Legal Director of Shield Buying and Distribution and later became the CEO of Shield which was later sold to Massmart. Mark then became a Director on the Massmart board. Mark’s experience in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) spans over 14 years.
Mark left Massmart to start his own business in March 1997 which was subsequently listed and today trades as Cognition Holding Limited, which developed IT, telecoms, and research services. In his 26 years as the CEO, Mark applied his legal, FMCG, and technical skills to develop and conceptualize several new products and services.
Mark’s forte is to integrate diverse disciplines like FMCG, legal, and IT into new and innovative products.
Mark believes in innovation and challenging the status quo and creating paradigm shifts that take a business to new heights and explore areas.
Mark has also established two new businesses one being in Renewable energy and acts as the Chairman and the second a umbrella organization for Independent Agencies in the advertising fraternity.
Mark consults on change management and the need for paradigm shifts in business.
Gaurang Mooney has 35 years of experience across FMCG, real estate development, and hospitality. A graduate in Economics and Finance, he joined ODE in 1991 and has played an integral role in the company’s evolution and sustained growth ever since.
Gaurang strives to use his strategic insight and experience to mentor and develop future leaders. His influence extends beyond ODE, having operated and invested in businesses across hardware, flooring, manufacturing, and telephony in Botswana and neighbouring countries. He has been also involved in real estate investments in the UK, India, and Australia.
Outside of work, Gaurang is a lifelong student of financial markets. He is an avid reader with a deep interest in global economic trends. He is also a founder member of SARGAM, a charitable band that has raised funds for community causes for over 3 decades. He enjoys classical music, follows Liverpool Football Club, and supports philanthropic efforts focused on child welfare and development.
Ashvin Govan Mancha, a qualified attorney, a financial executive, and entrepreneur with over four decades’ experience.
He graduated from the University of Witwatersrand with a B.Proc law degree in 1981, served his articles with a leading attorney’s firm that represented a major bank and commercial enterprises and qualified as an attorney before moving into the family business involved in retail and property.
He joined the Johannesburg Stock Exchange as a full member in 1987 and was involved in many successful listings and founded the stock broking firm of Afrifocus Securities in 2000. He served on numerous Company Boards and Committees, both listed and unlisted, gaining experience in a wide and varied field of enterprises including property and property development, technology, franchising, insurance, global and local investments as well as retail and wholesale.
He also serves as a Director of ODE (Botswana). Ashvin’s deep expertise and experience in financial markets, corporate governance, and provides essential stewardship and strategic financial insight to ODE’s board.
Justin Jose is a Chartered Accountant with more than 20 years’ experience in accounting, audit, and business growth roles across Africa and India. As Executive Director at ODE and CEO of ODE Hospitality, he is responsible for strategic expansion, risk management, and operational excellence in the group’s hospitality investments. His background in internal audit, compliance, and organizational strategy supports ODE’s governance standards and robust growth agenda. Justin is a member of ICAI and BICA.
Hiten D Upadhyay is a Chartered Accountant bringing over 27 years of leadership experience to ODE, with a distinguished track record in the FMCG sector. As Group CEO of Trans Africa (Pty) Ltd—ODE’s flagship trading subsidiary—he steers corporate strategy, financial planning, and operational execution across the group’s diverse investments. Hiten’s core strengths include financial analysis, budgeting, cost control, and operational restructuring. His career spans senior roles in Botswana and India, offering deep expertise in audit, taxation, and ERP implementation. He is a member of both the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
Madhusudhan Marthu is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. As Chief Accountant, he oversees financial management, statutory compliance, and reporting across the group’s diverse investments. He is a member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA).