Botswana and Namibia have reaffirmed their commitment to the Trans-Kalahari Railway (TKR) Project, a strategic infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting trade and regional integration in Southern Africa.
The pledge was sealed in Maun on August 15 through a joint communiqué signed by Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr. Noah Salakae, and Namibia’s Minister of Works and Transport, Mr. Veikko Nekundi, during a special Joint Ministerial Committee meeting.
The TKR, established under a bilateral agreement in March 2014, is expected to enhance regional connectivity, drive socio-economic growth, and strengthen the two countries’ participation in continental trade.
Reviewing progress since their last meeting in Kasane, the ministers noted several milestones achieved between May 23 and August 14. These include the approval of the project’s inception report on June 30, endorsement of a benchmarking exercise set for September 2025, and the submission of the needs assessment and solution options report. They confirmed that the project remains on schedule and within budget.
Minister Nekundi described the TKR as more than a railway, saying it is “a strategic instrument that will unlock regional trade, create jobs, and stimulate investment in Namibia, Botswana, and beyond.”
His Botswana counterpart, Mr. Salakae, highlighted the project’s alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), stressing that rail infrastructure would ease pressure on regional roads and expand trade opportunities.
“Africa has gone a step up to say, for purposes of facilitating trade, especially bulk commodities, let us collaborate and build railway lines to ease pressure on the roads. This is exactly what we are doing under the TKR project,” Salakae said.
He added that the AfCFTA would also promote the free movement of people, ideas, and investments while unlocking regions previously left behind.
