Mount Meru Group Expands into Botswana Through Engen Acquisition Agreement

Gaborone, Botswana – 17 April 2026: Mount Meru Group has announced its entry into the Botswana market through Fusion Spark Proprietary Limited, a consortium comprising Mount Meru Group and Botswana-based businessman Ramachandran Ottapathu.

The consortium has signed a Share Purchase Agreement with Vivo Energy for the acquisition of Vivo Energy’s 70% shareholding in Engen Botswana Limited.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in Mount Meru Group’s continued growth across Africa and further strengthens the Group’s presence in the Southern African region.

Mount Meru Group Enters Botswana

The transaction follows a competitive sales process to identify a suitable investor with the financial strength, local market knowledge and downstream operating experience required to support the continued growth of Engen Botswana.

Through Fusion Spark Proprietary Limited, Mount Meru Group will combine its extensive regional experience in downstream fuel distribution with the local market knowledge and commercial expertise of Ramachandran Ottapathu.

For Mount Meru Group, the proposed transaction represents a long-term commitment to Botswana and an opportunity to contribute to the country's energy sector while creating sustainable value for customers, businesses, employees and partners.

Commenting on the development, Atul Mittal, Director, Mount Meru Group, said:

“We are proud to be entering Botswana, a country with a stable, well-governed economy and a people we deeply respect. This acquisition is a long-term commitment, and we are grateful to Vivo Energy for entrusting us with this responsibility and the confidence they have placed in our consortium.”

He highlighted the complementary strengths of the partnership with Ramachandran Ottapathu, combining local knowledge with Mount Meru Group’s regional expertise.

“Mount Meru Group has a strong track record of safe, reliable and customer-focused fuel operations across multiple African markets. We are committed to delivering lasting value for Botswana’s customers, its businesses, and its economy.”

Combining Local Knowledge with Regional Expertise

The partnership brings together Mount Meru Group’s experience in fuel distribution and downstream energy operations with Ramachandran Ottapathu’s understanding of the Botswana market.

Ramachandran Ottapathu, Director, Fusion Spark Proprietary Limited, said:

“I am delighted to be partnering with Mount Meru Group on this acquisition. Botswana is a market we know well, and I have long believed in the strength and potential of Engen Botswana’s business.”

He added that the consortium is confident that the partnership will create meaningful and sustainable value for Engen Botswana’s customers, employees and partners.

Strengthening Mount Meru Group’s African Footprint

The proposed entry into Botswana is another important step in Mount Meru Group’s long-term strategy of expanding its operations and investing in markets across the African continent.

Today, Mount Meru Group operates across more than 17 countries in Africa, with a growing presence across the energy, consumer products and logistics sectors.

The Group has built an extensive network of fuel stations and downstream energy infrastructure across its markets, supported by strong storage, distribution and logistics capabilities.

Its energy portfolio includes fuel, LPG, lubricants, jet fuel and heavy fuel oil, while its wider operations extend into agro-processing, edible oil refining and logistics.

The Group’s growing African footprint reflects its commitment to building sustainable businesses, strengthening regional trade and providing reliable products and services to customers across the continent.

A Long-Term Commitment to Botswana

Mount Meru Group views Botswana as an important market within its Southern African growth strategy.

The Group intends to build on the existing strengths of the Engen Botswana business while leveraging its regional experience to support continued operational excellence, customer satisfaction and sustainable growth.

The proposed transaction will also strengthen Mount Meru Group’s regional connectivity and create opportunities to further integrate its capabilities across Southern Africa.

Transaction Subject to Regulatory Approvals

The acquisition remains subject to pending regulatory approvals and the fulfilment of other conditions required for completion.

Until completion of the transaction, Engen Botswana will continue to operate as normal, maintaining its focus on providing safe, reliable and high-quality service to customers across the country.

Mount Meru Group looks forward to working with all relevant stakeholders throughout the process and, following completion, supporting the continued growth and development of the business.

About Mount Meru Group

Mount Meru Group is a diversified African conglomerate operating in more than 17 countries, with businesses spanning energy, consumer products and logistics.

The Group has established a strong regional presence through its fuel distribution network and extensive storage, supply and logistics infrastructure.

Its energy portfolio includes fuel, LPG, lubricants, jet fuel and heavy fuel oil, while its consumer businesses include agro-processing and edible oil refining. The Group is also supported by an integrated logistics operation serving its businesses and customers across its markets.

The proposed entry into Botswana represents another milestone in Mount Meru Group’s continued African expansion and reinforces its ambition to build reliable, sustainable and customer-focused businesses across the continent.