Why it Matters
The Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone (MKL) Rail Project is a cross-border railway initiative linking Botswana and Zambia, aimed at enhancing trade, connectivity, and regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The railway will span approximately 430 kilometres, comprising 365 km from Mosetse to Kazungula and 65 km from Kazungula to Livingstone. It is expected to improve cargo and passenger movement, reduce transport costs, and ease pressure on road infrastructure.
The Governments of the Republic of Zambia and the Republic of Botswana, through their respective ministries responsible for transport, namely the Ministry of Transport and Logistics of Zambia and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Botswana, convened a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting on the Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone (MKL) Rail Project on 1 April 2026 in Kasane, Botswana.
The meeting brought together senior government officials from both countries, alongside representatives from Zambia Railways Limited and Botswana Railways, to review progress and provide strategic direction on the implementation of this regional infrastructure project.
The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Logistics in Zambia, Eng. Fredrick Mwalusaka reaffirmed that the MKL Rail Project remains a significant bilateral initiative and a critical component in enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating trade, and unlocking economic opportunities within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Similarly, the Acting Permanent Secretary for Botswana’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Pius Seone, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to delivering on its obligations for the successful implementation of the project.
Both governments reiterated their commitment to the successful implementation of the MKL Rail Project and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration and coordination at both technical and policy levels.
The Joint Steering Committee, co-chaired by the Permanent Secretaries, noted the progress made to date and underscored the need to:
- expedite the resolution of outstanding issues relating to the consultant’s deliverables;
- approve key project milestones to unlock the next phase of implementation; and
- maintain momentum through strengthened institutional coordination and stakeholder engagement.
The Committee further emphasised that both governments are eager to see the completion of the bankable feasibility study at the earliest possible time. In this regard, the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) was tasked with ensuring that all outstanding studies are finalised and completed by the end of 2026.
The governments of Zambia and Botswana reaffirmed their shared vision of delivering the MKL Rail Project as a regional infrastructure initiative that will enhance trade and stimulate economic growth. The project is expected to improve the efficiency of cargo and passenger movement between the two countries, while strengthening linkages to regional and international markets.
Both governments remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including cooperating railway entities and development partners, to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
The Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone (MKL) Rail Project is a cross-border railway initiative linking Botswana and Zambia, aimed at enhancing trade, connectivity, and regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The railway will span approximately 430 kilometres, comprising 365 km from Mosetse to Kazungula and 65 km from Kazungula to Livingstone. It is expected to improve cargo and passenger movement, reduce transport costs, and ease pressure on road infrastructure.
