27 Oct 2025

Botswana Railways is experiencing a decline in rail freight volumes, which is driven by reduced trade and rising road transport competition.

“Since 2015, imports and exports declined from their peak volumes of 843,000 tonnes and 738,000 tonnes respectively,” Minister of Transport and Infrastructure , Mr Noah Salakae said in Parliament recently, presenting the Transport and Infrastructure chapter of the draft National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12).

This, he said, was driven mainly by reduced trade, rail infrastructure limitations and rising road transport competition. Minister Salakae further said the railway line, which ran from Ramatlabama to Varakaranga Border in Zimbabwe had been deteriorating overtime, resulting in increased maintenance costs.

As part of government’s goal of expanding the rail network and enhancing connections with countries in the region, Minister Salakae noted that several infrastructure projects would be undertaken during NDP 12.

He  said most of the said projects that would be implemented through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) included Mmamabula-Lephalale rail link, which would connect Botswana to the South African rail networks at Lephalale.

He said the project represented a crucial step in unlocking Botswana’s coal export potential through Richards Bay port in South Africa.

He said the Mosetse-Kazungula-Livingstone rail link was also planned to facilitate efficient movement of goods between Botswana and Zambia by reducing transit times and improving logistics efficiency along the North-South Corridor.

Mr Salakae also highlighted that the Trans Kalahari Rail (TKR) line, which was expected to bring significant economic benefits to Botswana and Namibia and the whole of SADC was also expected to be implemented.

He also indicated that priority would be given to upgrading of the Ramatlabama-Varakaranga border line and the rehabilitation of the Zimbabwe rail line to allow for higher axle loads, improved turnaround times and greater efficiency in freight movements.

The implementation of these projects, he said would strengthen economic ties and trade integration, thereby positioning Botswana as a competitive regional player.

Similiarly, he said there was a pressing need for reforms to separate rail infrastructure management from rail operations as the Act only allowed Botswana Railways to be the sole rail operator.

“This will enable Botswana Railways to retain ownership of infrastructure while allowing multiple operators to provide rail services. The separation will lead to improved efficiency through competition and attract investment into both infrastructure and rolling stock,” he said.

In addition, he noted that in an effort to improve operational efficiency and in line with SADC protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology of 1996, the Public Roads Act would be revised to introduce the National Roads Agency and National Road Fund.

This, Minister Salakae said would allow for improved management of roads and their funding in a more commercial and market-oriented way. He also cited that a new National Integrated Transport Policy would be introduced as a blueprint to guide on the development and management of a sustainable transport system. ENDS