Good day
At LECHA Energy, we receive countless monthly requests asking, “What exactly does it take to start a filling station or diesel depot in Botswana?”
We’ll take you through the entire process, broken down into clear chapters covering every stage — from site selection to regulatory approvals, financing options, construction, operations, and beyond.
📌 Each chapter will be linked to our Content Page, so you can click and jump straight to the section you need without reading the entire guide. Perfect for when you’re looking for quick answers during your project.
💡 We will update each chapter with new information, industry standards, and industry news to keep the reference guide up to date and relevant.
Whether you’re a first-time investor or an experienced fuel retailer, this series will give you the clarity, tools, and confidence to launch successfully.
Stay tuned — Chapter 1 drops soon. Here’s to fueling your success.
Wishing you the best on your new project
Stephen Lecha
LECHA Energy | So Much Better
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Overview of Botswana’s fuel market.
Demand drivers: urban growth, rural expansion, tourism, and mining.
Why fuel retail is a lucrative but highly regulated business.
The difference between retail, wholesale, and bulk supply in Botswana.
Key stakeholders: BERA, local councils, Department of Environmental Affairs, and Ministry of Trade.
Chapter 2 – Site Selection & Acquisition
Factors to consider when choosing a location: traffic counts, proximity to competitors, zoning regulations, and access roads.
How to conduct preliminary demand studies: the traffic count.
Legal process for land acquisition: freehold vs leasehold, sub-leases from industrial parks.
Working with land boards and local councils.
Common pitfalls: buying land without verifying zoning for fuel retail.
Chapter 3 – Due Diligence & Feasibility Studies
Commissioning professional market research.
Feasibility analysis: capital cost vs projected revenue.
Return on investment timelines for different station sizes.
Evaluating competition within a 5–10 km radius.
Considering complementary revenue streams (convenience stores, car washes).
Chapter 4 – Environmental & Archaeological Assessments
Why environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are mandatory.
Steps to obtain EIA approval from the Department of Environmental Affairs.
Requirements for public consultation meetings.
Addressing concerns about groundwater contamination.
When archaeological clearance is required (e.g., if the site is near heritage areas).
Chapter 5 – Technical Site Investigations
Soil testing: checking stability for underground storage tanks.
Geo-technical surveys: load-bearing capacity of the soil.
Topographical surveys: understanding slope, drainage, and layout options.
Using survey results to inform design and construction.
Chapter 6 – Regulatory Approvals & Licenses
Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) retail license process.
Land board lease approvals.
Council planning permits.
Ministry of Trade business license.
Health & safety compliance certificates.
Chapter 7 – Design & Planning
Hiring qualified architects and engineers with fuel station experience.
Master plan: canopy, pump islands, storage tank layout, traffic flow.
Fire safety plan: submission to the Fire Department for approval.
Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) drawings: wiring, pumps, lighting.
Accessibility requirements under Botswana building codes.
Chapter 8 – Civil Works & Infrastructure Development
Site clearing and grading.
Underground storage tank installation and testing.
Piping, pump installation, and canopy erection.
Driveway and parking layout.
Stormwater and spill containment systems.
Chapter 9 – Financing Your Project
Capital requirements: average costs for 2–4 pump island stations.
Sources of finance: commercial banks, CEDA, and private equity.
Documentation needed for loan applications.
Structuring repayment terms in line with cash flow projections.
Chapter 10 – Partnership Models with OMCs
How to partner with established Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) like LECHA, Puma, Shell, and Total.
Brand licensing vs. dealer-owned, dealer-operated models.
Pros and cons of exclusive supply agreements.
Negotiating margins and marketing support.
Chapter 11 – Construction & Project Management
Selecting experienced contractors for petroleum infrastructure.
Quality control measures during construction.
Compliance inspections at key stages: tank testing, pump calibration.
Managing timelines to avoid costly delays.
Chapter 12 – Retail Operations Setup
Obtaining a trade license from the Ministry of Trade.
Hiring station managers and pump attendants.
Setting up POS systems and inventory control.
Supplier arrangements for lubricants, LPG, and convenience store stock.
Chapter 13 – Staffing, Training & Safety Compliance
Recruiting and vetting staff.
Training programs on fuel handling, customer service, and cash management.
Safety drills for fire and spill incidents.
Meeting BERA’s ongoing compliance requirements.
Chapter 14 – Marketing & Business Launch
Pre-launch advertising: radio, flyers, social media.
Grand opening events: discounts, community engagement.
Building loyalty programs for truckers and taxi operators.
Signage and branding visibility.
Chapter 15 – Post-Launch Operations & Performance Monitoring
Daily sales tracking.
Monthly margin reviews.
Preventive maintenance schedules for pumps and tanks.
Seasonal pricing strategies.
Chapter 16 – Case Studies & Lessons Learned
Example 1: Rural filling station success stories.
Example 2: Urban station with strong convenience store sales.
Common mistakes new entrants make and how to avoid them.
Appendices
List of Botswana regulatory agencies for fuel.
Sample BERA retail license application requirements.
Template project budget and cash flow forecast.
Health & safety compliance checklist,