Extending Kamoso's Routes Beyond Botswana

The challenge

Kamoso was formed in 2015 as part of an investment by Development Capital Partners, a New York investment firm and Standard Chartered Private Equity. Both firms have since sold their shareholdings.

Kamoso is made up of a diverse range of different operating businesses that spans from the biggest liquor outlet in Botswana (Liquorama) to the largest hardware chain (by footprint) in Botswana, Builders Mart. It also has several manufacturing businesses that range from sorghum meal to samp and beans. They also bottle water, make toilet paper, tissues etc. The business also has an import and distribution leg that imports consumer staples such as baked beans, soap and washing powder. They also distribute medical supplies into Botswana via a separate business called Mediland.

Kamoso was looking for opportunities to grow the business and franchises beyond Botswana and to expand its diverse product offering.

The RMB solution

The RMB Ventures consortium’s investment through a management buy-out enabled Kamoso to expand its roots in Botswana to supply retailers across Southern Africa. The consortium optimised Komoso’s capital structure to enable the company to invest heavily in new capital equipment to expand its consumer product offerings. The new ownership consortium will continue investing in Kamoso’s growth.

Proven results

Kamoso has a long track record of supplying top quality products at the best prices. Through the management buy-out it has been able to continue building a strong business on the basis of providing value for money. The capital injection also enabled it to distribute an increasing number of imported consumer brands.

Post the acquisition, Komoso was able to also capitalise on a number of organic growth opportunities to become a regional player in new territories like Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique.