17 Aug 2025

Botswana and Namibia have signed a joint communique to underscore continued commitment of both countries to the successful implementation of the Trans-Kalahari Railway (TKR) Project.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Noah Salakae and his Namibia counterpart, Mr Veikko Nekundi, from the Ministry of Works and Transport signed the joint communique during a special Joint Ministerial Committee of the Trans-Kalahari Railway Project in Maun on August 15.

The occasion was to appreciate progress on the envisaged project undertaken through a bilateral agreement between governments of Namibia and Botswana, which was signed in March 2014.

The two ministers were impressed by the progress that has been achieved since the last sitting in Kasane.

Deliverables achieved between May 23 and August 14, included the inception report approved June 30, approval of a bench marking exercise scheduled for September 2025 and submission of the needs assessment and solution options report.

Additionally, both ministers further acknowledged that the project was on track and within budget in line with the approved roadmap.

The Trans-Kalahari Railway project is a strategic infrastructure initiative, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, trade and socio-economic development between Botswana, Namibia, and the wider Southern African region.

Minister Nekundi said he was looking forward for the envisage project to become a reality and benefit both countries in as far as economic development was concerned.

He acknowledged that the TKR project was more than just a railway project, but a strategic instrument that would unlock regional trade, create jobs, and stimulate investment in Namibia, Botswana and beyond.

On the other hand, Mr Salakae said TKR was an ambitious project, primarily focused on linking the two countries, enhancing trade and equally contributing to the envisaged dream of opening up trade in Africa, through the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

He said the agreement aimed to create a single market for goods and services as well as deepen economic integration and enhance Africa’s competitiveness.

“Africa has gone a step up to say for purposes of facilitating trade especially bulk commodities, how about if we meet, collaborate and build railway lines so that we ease pressure on the roads and this is exactly what we are doing under the TKR project,” he added.

Mr Salakae further said the AfCFTA would not only be opening up trade in goods as people, ideas and investments would also move into and unlock parts of the continent that were left behind. ENDS