Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi says the government is prioritising the modernisation of the Trans-Kalahari and Zambezi logistics corridors to position Namibia as a key gateway for Chinese trade into Southern Africa.
Speaking on the sidelines of bilateral talks between Namibia and China in Guangzhou, Nekundi said the initiative aims to streamline cargo movement through Namibia’s transport network and ensure that Chinese goods destined for neighbouring countries, as well as regional exports bound for China, move through the Port of Walvis Bay.
“Our key focus in roads and transport is to transform our logistics corridors, specifically the Trans-Kalahari and Zambezi corridors. This will ensure that cargo moving from our neighbouring countries to the Chinese market utilises our port in the first place, and that goods coming from China to our neighbours use it as well,” he said.
Nekundi said the strategy is intended to strengthen Namibia’s position as a regional logistics hub by improving the efficiency and competitiveness of its transport infrastructure.
The remarks come as the feasibility study for the proposed Trans-Kalahari Railway enters its final stage, paving the way for detailed technical and engineering work.
During a Joint Ministerial Committee meeting held in Swakopmund in June, Namibia and Botswana reaffirmed their commitment to the cross-border railway project.
The two countries reviewed progress made since December 2025, when the feasibility study timeline was extended by two months, and confirmed that several key milestones have been completed, including the legal due diligence report, route alignment assessments and approval of the preferred route.
The feasibility study is expected to be completed in 2026, allowing the project to advance to its next phase. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.
The proposed 1,500-kilometre railway will link Botswana’s coalfields and mineral-rich regions, including Mmamabula, directly to the Port of Walvis Bay.
Estimated to cost more than US$16 billion, the project is expected to ease pressure on road freight, lower transport costs and provide Botswana with a more efficient export corridor to international markets.
