The Governments of Botswana and Namibia are advancing work on the Trans-Kalahari Railway (TKR), a flagship cross-border infrastructure project that will unlock regional trade potential and strengthen Southern Africa’s integration into continental and global supply chains.
The Railway line (1600-1900km), linking Mmamabula in Botswana to the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia, will provide Botswana with a direct export route to the Atlantic Ocean, reducing over-reliance on South African and Mozambican ports, while advancing Namibia’s position as a regional logistics hub.
Within the framework of the African Integrated Railway Network (AIRN) Master Plan 2033, the TKR project integrates the identified priority corridors: Rail Links L35 and L36 (Walvis Bay–Windhoek–Gaborone), together with Rail Link L37 (Gaborone–Johannesburg). The project is further aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the AIRN Master Plan, and SADC’s broader regional integration objectives.
Repositioning the Project
Speaking at the recent Continental Technical Experts Meeting on the implementation of the AIRN, hosted by the African Union in Namibia, Cynthia Haimbodi, Project Coordinator at the Trans-Kalahari Railway Project Management Office (TKR-PMO), emphasised that while the original objective was coal exports, the scope has since been broadened.
“The project was initially meant to transport coal from the Mmamabula coal fields to Walvis Bay. However, with shifting global demand, the governments have repositioned the project to be more than just a coal railway. It is now being conceptualised as a developmental corridor, unlocking opportunities across multiple sectors to support the economies of both Namibia and Botswana,” Haimbodi explained.
Other transported commodities will include copper, iron ore, manganese, lithium, soda ash, cement, fuel, grain and containers, in addition to coal. This diversification will support the line’s long-term viability and provide resilience against market volatility.
Feasibility and Timelines
The project is currently at the feasibility stage, with consultancy firm CPCS (Canada) appointed in March 2025 to conduct the full study. The feasibility is expected to conclude by April 2026. Key elements under review include traffic demand, technical design, route options, financing structures and environmental assessments.
According to Haimbodi, progress has already been made:
- Needs Assessment and Solutions Options Report submitted and under review.
- Legal Due Diligence Report currently in preparation.
- Roadmap approved in February 2025 by the Ministers of Transport from both states.
Construction is envisaged to commence in May 2027, subject to the completion of feasibility and financial close.
Governance and Institutional Framework
The TKR is overseen by a robust governance structure:
- Project Management Office (TKR-PMO) with coordinators in Namibia and Botswana.
- Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting is held quarterly.
- Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting is held quarterly.
- Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) is led by both Ministers of Transport, meeting twice a year.
On financing, Rauna Shikwambi, Director of the PPP Unit at Namibia’s Ministry of Finance, underscored the importance of the enabling framework.
“The PPP Act of 2017, together with supporting regulations and manuals, provides the legislative environment for projects such as the TKR. While Namibia has not yet concluded a railway PPP transaction, the framework is in place to regulate, support and approve such partnerships,” she noted.
Technical and Financial Outlook
The line will be developed as a heavy-haul freight railway with four route options under study, including options that integrate existing Botswana Railways and TransNamib infrastructure.
The gauge is still under review, with consultants recommending the Cape gauge to ensure interoperability with neighbouring networks.
Axle Loads (current networks): Botswana mainline 20t/axle, Namibia mainline 18.5t/axle.
Estimated Costs (pre-feasibility):
- Cape gauge: Capex USD 12 bn, Opex USD 35 bn
- Standard gauge: Capex USD 11 bn, Opex USD 27 bn
The financing model will be a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with a mix of equity and debt, supported by development banks, export credit agencies and potential take-off agreements with mining companies.
Strategic Impact
Once operational, the TKR is expected to:
- Reduce transport costs by shifting bulk freight from road to rail.
- Stimulate mining activity in Botswana and Namibia by enhancing logistics and access to export ports.
- Cut road maintenance costs and improve road safety.
- Lower CO₂ emissions, supporting the Paris Agreement and NDC commitments of both countries.
- Boost employment during construction and operations.
- Deepen trade integration under AfCFTA by improving access to ports and markets.
Haimbodi summed up the project’s wider significance: “This is not only a transport project, but a strategic development corridor. It will create employment, diversify economies, unlock mineral wealth and strengthen regional integration.”
Next Steps
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) will facilitate investor presentations at the end of October 2025 in Luanda, Angola. Further details on IRR, NPV, debt-equity structures, and SDG alignment will be shared as the feasibility progresses.
Written by Phillippa Dean
