27 Mar 2025

Government recognises the role of sustainable infrastructure in fostering economic growth and regional integration, says the Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Keoagile Atamelang. 

Speaking during the Mmamabula-Lephalale Rail Link investor forum in Gaborone on Wednesday, Mr Atamalenang, said government was pursuing other major railway projects which included Mosetse-Kazungula-Livingstone Rail Link and the Trans-Kalahari Rail Project which aimed at enhancing regional integration. The projects, he said were at various stages of feasibility studies.

On the Mmamabula-Lephalale Rail Link, he said the project aimed at improving connectivity between Botswana and South Africa, providing a more direct and efficient route to the Richards Bay Port. 

He said it would reduce transit times and costs for bulk exports, contributing significantly to the growth of Botswana’s mining and industrial sectors. 

“Our vision is to develop a modern, efficient railway network that will support trade, foster industrialisation, create jobs, and improve the livelihoods of our communities,” he said. 

Moreover, he said the project would provide an alternative to the existing rail line that passes through Mafikeng, enhancing the resilience of the logistics network and reducing reliance on a single transport corridor. 

“This improved connectivity is essential to supporting Botswana’s growing mining and industrial sectors, while ensuring seamless access to global markets,” Mr Atamelang noted. 

Addressing potential investors, Mr Atamelang assured them that both the Botswana and South Africa governments were fully committed to ensuring the successful delivery of the Mmamabula-Lephalale Rail Link. 

“We understand that investors seek security and certainty when committing capital to long-term infrastructure projects. I want to assure you that both governments are fully committed to the successful delivery of this project,” he said. 

The assistant minister stressed that infrastructure projects of such magnitude required joint efforts between the public and private sectors thereby highlighting the crucial role of Public-Private Partnerships in achieving the projects. 

“Governments alone cannot finance infrastructure of this scale. Therefore, we are strong proponents of Public-Private Partnerships to drive infrastructure development,” he noted.

He thus noted that government was working on policy and regulatory reforms that would position Botswana as one of the most attractive destinations for infrastructure investment in Africa. ENDS