Botswana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Turkish firm, Eksen Group, towards the advancement of the Mosetse - Kazungula – Livingstone rail project. The project will link Botswana and Zambia.
Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah Salakae, revealed that in line with President Duma Boko’s pursuit to lure international investors to Botswana, has led to the signing of the MoU.
The proposed Mosetse - Kazungula – Livingstone rail project is planned to be constructed over a stretch of 430km, crossing over the Kazungula Bridge and will be co-financed by Zambia and Botswana. The Kazungula Bridge, which was opened in 2021, is a 923-meter bridge with two border facilities on either side. The total cost of the project was US$260 million.
Salakae said the purpose of the MoU is to establish a framework to assist the government in achieving timeous delivery and implementation of the envisaged bilateral project.
The minister explained that the MoU does not in any way mean that Eksen Group is the procured contractor for the project.
The project is expected to serve as a critical transport infrastructure that will strengthen both economies and bonds between Zambia and Botswana, and the wider SADC region.
Salakae said the MoU with Eksen Group is a testament to the Botswana government’s unwavering commitment to partner with the private sector through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), to create modern infrastructure and much-needed jobs, especially for the youth.
Although the project 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.
Botswana and Zambia believe that the rail link is poised to unlock immense potential, as it will facilitate trade, enhance connectivity, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities across both our nations.
According to estimates by the Botswana Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, the project is expected to cost US$1.5 billion, with estimated infrastructure costs of US$1.5 billion and traction investments of over US$130 million.
According to the estimates, the project cannot be sustained unless it carries in the region of 7.5 million tonnes of freight annually. The existing road traffic across the Kazungula Bridge totals around 3.1 million tonnes per year.
Written by: Chamwe Kaira
