The Trans-Kalahari Railway project, envisioned as a critical link between Botswana and Namibia, has been stagnant since its inception in 2011 due to funding constraints and challenges in securing suitable development partners.
According to TransNamib CEO, Desmond Van Jaarsveld, funding remains one of the primary obstacles. Estimated as a multibillion-dollar undertaking, the financial demands of the project have proven to be a significant barrier.
“There are a few reasons. I think one is funding because it’s a multibillion-dollar project, not just a small-scale one. Another challenge has been finding the right partner to develop it, as the Trans-Kalahari Railway, that money is just out of our league,” he said.
This comes as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa and his counterpart from Botswana, Eric Molale, met in Windhoek in October and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing regional trade and economic cooperation through the development of the Trans-Kalahari Railway project.
The two ministers were joined by senior officials and representatives of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor Secretariat, and discussed ongoing progress and the Trans-Kalahari Corridor (TKC) and Trans-Kalahari Railway (TKR) projects.
The TKC, operational since 2003, has simplified customs operations and established itself as a major trade route for both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
One of the more pressing topics was the TKR project, a 1,500-kilometre railway line aimed at linking Botswana’s mineral resources with Namibia’s Atlantic port at Walvis Bay.
Since the project’s conception in 2010, both governments have strived to overcome logistical challenges to launch this initiative, particularly in light of South Africa’s struggling logistics network.
The TKR aims to provide an alternative route for regional exports, with both private and international investors expressing interest.
The TKR has gained momentum as delays and capacity constraints in South Africa’s ports create incentives for an alternative export corridor.
Both ministers view the railway line as a critical step in reducing transportation costs and opening new trade routes for bulk goods, such as minerals and agricultural products, into global markets.
The project not only enhances Botswana and Namibia’s connectivity but also strengthens their appeal as trade hubs for Southern Africa.
