Ramachandran Ottapathu, a visionary tycoon and one of Botswana’s wealthiest individuals, has played an impressive role in the growth of Botswana’s retail industry and real estate sector.
Through his leadership roles in prominent enterprises like The Far Property Co. Ltd. and co-founding Choppies Enterprises Ltd., Ramachandran Ottapathu has masterminded a remarkable transformation.
Choppies Enterprises, under Ottapathu’s adept guidance, has evolved into Botswana’s premier supermarket chain, headquartered in Gaborone. Ottapathu’s strategic acumen has propelled the company to astonishing heights, culminating in an expansive distribution network spanning South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Kenya.
Ottapathu’s co-founding role alongside Farouk Ismail in 1986 has endowed him with a commanding 24.48 percent stake, equivalent to an impressive 316,353,058 ordinary shares in Choppies. Renowned for its distribution of international food brands and private-label products, Choppies remains a dominant force in both the food and general merchandise retail sectors.
Beyond his retail achievements, Ottapathu boasts memberships in prestigious institutions like The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants, a testament to his exceptional financial expertise.
Remarkably, Ottapathu’s influence extends beyond Choppies, as he actively serves on the boards of an astonishing 82 other companies, further underscoring his significant role in shaping Botswana’s business landscape.
Billionaires.Africa has identified and cataloged various companies and holdings linked to Ottapathu. Here are five companies where he holds direct or indirect ownership:Â
Founded in 1986 by Ottapathu and Farouk Ismail, Choppies Enterprises stands as Botswana’s premier retail chain. Boasting an expansive distribution network across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Kenya, Choppies delivers a diverse range of internationally acclaimed food brands and in-house private-label products. Ottapathu holds a commanding 24.48-percent ownership stake in Choppies, or an impressive 316,353,058 ordinary shares.
Through a subsidiary of his Gaborone-based supermarket chain, Choppies, Ottapathu acquired a substantial 76-percent interest in Kamoso Africa. Renowned as a leading manufacturing, supply, and distribution enterprise across Southern Africa, Kamoso Africa serves vital roles within the retail and healthcare sectors. Its expansive footprint spans six Southern African nations and continues to expand across the African continent.
Established in 2010 and headquartered in Gaborone, The Far Property Company specializes in the strategic ownership and management of real estate assets. With a robust portfolio comprising approximately 206 properties, these holdings extend across Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. Among its notable assets are warehouses and shopping centers housing Choppies outlets. Ottapathu maintains a substantial 28.02-percent stake in this prominent property development firm.
Founded in 1991, Yogakshemam Loans Limited operates as a distinguished provider of financial services, catering to a diverse clientele in India. Its offerings encompass financing solutions such as gold, vehicle, term, and business loans. This institution’s rich history traces back to Anthikad, and it has been registered as a Non-Banking Financial Company under the Reserve Bank of India since 2000.
With a storied history dating back to 1943, Super Group Limited has evolved into a global powerhouse in supply chain management, dealership, and fleet management. The company’s extensive service portfolio covers optimization, consulting, technology, procurement, distribution, transportation, warehousing, customs clearing, and international freight services. Operating across diverse regions, including South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, Super Group Limited remains a pivotal player in various sectors under the dynamic guidance of Ottapathu.
