Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah Salakae, has declared the government’s commitment to developing and maintaining transport infrastructure, with a particular focus on revitalising the country’s ageing railway system.
The government led by President Duma Boko believes that Botswana is advantageously situated to provide linkages to South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Speaking during a programme on Radio Botswana, Salakae stated that Botswana is actively implementing a transformative transportation agenda, which includes major railway infrastructure projects. He emphasised that the government sees railway development as a key enabler of trade, regional cooperation, and economic growth.
One of the flagship projects is the proposed Mmamabula–Lephalale Railway, intended to connect the Mmamabula coalfields in Botswana with Lephalale in South Africa. Currently at the feasibility stage, the project is expected to provide the most cost-effective means of transporting coal to the port of Durban.
In addition, Botswana and Zambia have agreed to conduct a feasibility study on the Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone Railway, which would further enhance regional connectivity. Salakae noted that the Trans-Kalahari Railway, linking Botswana to Walvis Bay in Namibia, is also undergoing a feasibility study. The aim of the government is to connect Botswana to the ports of Durban and Walvis Bay via rail, Salakae said.
The minister said if feasibility studies confirm their financial viability, the three are expected to attract Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
The feasibility study for the Trans-Kalahari Railway is expected to be completed by September next year, after which transaction advisers will be appointed, the minister added. However, the total cost of the project has not yet been determined, Salakae said. Botswana plans to use the Trans-Kalahari line for importing oil and exporting beef.
Regarding the Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone project, Salakae revealed that although it has been deemed not financially viable for private sector investment, both Zambia and Botswana agree that the project offers significant long-term economic benefits. As a result, the two governments have decided to move forward with the feasibility study.
The minister said by approving the feasibility study with public money, both governments are signalling their belief in the project’s potential to enhance regional integration and boost key sectors like tourism.
For the Mmamabula–Lephalale Railway, the feasibility study is expected to cost 25 million Pula, with Botswana contributing 18 million Pula and South Africa providing 7 million Pula. Once construction begins, the project is estimated to take five years to complete and is expected to operate for 30 years, he said.
Salakae also mentioned the Limpopo Corridor, which runs through Zimbabwe to Mozambique, as an alternative trade route, especially as Durban continues to face congestion issues. Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique have already agreed to rehabilitate the Limpopo Corridor.
Written by Chamwe Kaira
