Business Plan for Boaz Trading PLC: Russian Oil Deal
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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### Executive Summary
Boaz Trading PLC proposes a strategic investment in a Russian oil import and distribution project to address Ethiopia’s growing energy demands. With a total project cost of ETB 22 million ($400,000 USD equivalent), the venture aims to secure a 150% ROI within 24 months by capitalizing on Ethiopia’s underpenetrated fuel market. The project includes a unique African photo safari marketing campaign (ETB 5.5 million) to attract high-net-worth investors and partners. This initiative is foundational for scaling Boaz Trading’s operations in Ethiopia, leveraging Addis Ababa’s strategic position as a regional trade hub.
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### Mission and Vision Statement
- Mission: Deliver affordable, high-quality oil products to Ethiopian industries and households while fostering sustainable economic growth.
- Vision: Become Ethiopia’s leading energy solutions provider by 2030, bridging global supply chains with local purchasing power.
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### Company Description
Boaz Trading PLC, headquartered in Addis Ababa, specializes in energy logistics and commodity trading. The Russian Oil Deal will import refined oil products (e.g., diesel, gasoline) from Russia and distribute them through partnerships with Ethiopian fuel stations and industrial clients.
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### Market Analysis
- Ethiopia’s Energy Demand: Fuel consumption grows at 6% annually due to industrialization and urbanization.
- Purchasing Power: Average monthly income is ETB 3,800; pricing must align with affordability while ensuring profitability.
- Gap: Limited local refining capacity creates reliance on imports (95% of fuel is imported).
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### Competitive Analysis
- Key Competitors: National Oil Ethiopia (NOC), TotalEnergies.
- Boaz Advantage: Competitive pricing (Russian oil discounts due to geopolitical shifts), agile logistics, and hyperlocal marketing.
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### SWOT Analysis
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|-------------------------------|----------------------------|
| Strategic Russian partnerships| Regulatory complexity |
| Local distribution network | High upfront capital |
| Opportunities | Threats |
| Ethiopia’s energy deficit | Currency volatility (ETB/USD)|
| Gov’t tax incentives for fuel | Political instability risks|
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### Target Market & Customer Segmentation
1. B2B: Manufacturing plants, transport companies (50% of revenue).
2. B2C: Urban households and fuel stations in Addis Ababa (30%).
3. Government: Contracts for public infrastructure projects (20%).
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### Product Line
- Imported refined oil products (diesel, gasoline, jet fuel).
- Packaging: Bulk for industries; retail-ready volumes for households.
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### Pricing Strategy
- Cost-Plus Pricing: 10% margin over import costs (ETB 45/liter for diesel vs. competitors’ ETB 50/liter).
- Tiered Discounts: For bulk industrial buyers (5–10% off).
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### Marketing & Sales Strategy
- African Photo Safari Campaign:
- Budget: ETB 5.5 million (photography, events, influencer partnerships).
- Goal: Position Boaz as a bridge between global resources (Russian oil) and Ethiopian growth.
- Sales Channels: Direct sales teams, partnerships with fuel stations.
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### Distribution & Supply Chain
- Import Logistics: Shipments via Djibouti Port, stored in Addis Ababa warehouses.
- Last-Mile Delivery: Partner with local trucking companies.
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### Financial Projections
| Year 1 | Year 2 |
|----------------------|---------------------|
| Revenue: ETB 33M | Revenue: ETB 55M |
| Net Profit: ETB 8.25M| Net Profit: ETB 16.5M|
| ROI: 150% by Year 2 | |
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### Funding Request
- Total Required: ETB 22 million.
- Use of Funds:
- Oil imports (60%).
- Marketing (25%).
- Logistics (15%).
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### Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Currency Risk: Hedge ETB/USD fluctuations via forward contracts.
- Regulatory Risk: Partner with local legal advisors.
- Supply Chain Risk: Diversify suppliers across Russia and Central Asia.
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### Sustainability & Social Responsibility
- Allocate 2% of profits to clean cooking fuel initiatives for rural communities.
- Reduce carbon footprint via energy-efficient logistics.
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### Implementation Plan
- Month 1–3: Secure import licenses, finalize Russian contracts.
- Month 4–6: Launch safari marketing campaign.
- Month 7–12: Begin distribution; target 10% market share in Addis Ababa.
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### Exit Strategy
- Sell equity to regional energy conglomerates or execute an IPO on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange.
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Appendix: Import contracts, feasibility study, ETB/USD exchange rate analysis.
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This plan leverages Ethiopia’s purchasing power, strategic location, and Boaz’s partnerships to deliver investor-ready returns while addressing a critical energy gap. Let me know if you need deeper dives into specific sections! 🚀