Christopher Roy Garland provides international financial planning for high-net-worth individuals and corporate advisory services for private-sector firms.
Over the years, Chris Garland assisted various government-owned parastatal organizations in their efforts to develop infrastructure and expand opportunity for entrepreneurs across southern Africa. He’s been based in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, for many years.
Can you tell us a bit about Fidelity Indemnity (Pty) Limited and what you do in the firm?
Fidelity Indemnity (Pty) Limited is a boutique consultancy business that I founded in the early 1990s. I set up the business to assist high-net-worth individuals and families with international financial planning and corporate advisory services, mainly in Botswana and surrounding countries. We empower our clients to grow their businesses and set their sights higher.
Over the years, Fidelity Indemnity has diversified to serve Botswana’s growing corporate market and public sector. We’re proud to be a flexible company that grows with our clients and adapts to the changing needs of the financial sector without ever losing sight of the professional yet friendly approach that sets us apart. As lead consultant, I always have my clients’ best interests at heart.
What are some examples of the infrastructure and economic development projects you’ve worked on in Botswana?
The Fidelity Indemnity team has worked with various parastatal organizations in the foreign direct investment (FDI) arena. Our work culminated in the formation of the Botswana Investment and Trade Center (BITC), which aims to be the top in-country investment and trade promotion agency for the government of Botswana.
We’ve also been very involved in the development of Kalahari Energy Botswana, a prime mover in the new evolving coalbed methane gas (CBM) industry in Botswana.
What are some foreign investment trends in Botswana that you’re following?
I’m expecting to see Botswana reach its full economic potential in the coming years. The government of Botswana and other local stakeholders are serious about seeking to diversify beyond diamonds to build on sustainability to become what FDI Intelligence calls “Africa’s outlier.” We’re looking forward to Botswana growing and diversifying its energy sector with the help of considerable foreign direct investment.
Can you tell us about the charities you’re involved with and what drew you to them?
I strongly support the work of the Equinox Trust, a non-profit organization based in Cape Town, South Africa, that specializes in equine-assisted therapy — a powerful, evidence-based therapeutic practice. They provide a unique model of therapy to underprivileged communities and people in need and form collaborative partnerships with community-based organizations.
The Equinox Trust empowers beneficiaries to gain insight, face their trauma, and work through their difficulties. Through the awareness and insight gained, these beneficiaries are better able to make life changes that resound on the individual, family, and community level.
The other organization I feel strongly about and support is the South African Guide-Dogs Association. Their aim is simple and beautiful: to provide independence, mobility, and companionship to those affected by partial or full loss of sight and autism. I really believe in animals’ potential to support and love their human counterparts — and to help them overcome life’s challenges.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Watch this space. Botswana continues to be a shining light in the development of the African continent, and there’s a lot to be excited about in the months and years ahead.
