With less than four months remaining before the end-of-year deadline, Namibia and Botswana are under pressure to move the Trans-Kalahari Railway project from plans to action.
The two countries are now focusing on finalising the implementation roadmap, including financing mechanisms, procurement strategies and ensuring local participation ahead of the December target to announce the way forward on construction.
Speaking at the Joint Ministerial Committee on the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line Link Development in Gaborone, Namibia's Minister of Transport, Veikko Nekundi, said the completion of the feasibility study was only the beginning, with the focus now shifting to execution.
He stressed that the project must create opportunities for communities and businesses along the railway route, ensuring Namibian and Batswana contractors, professionals and suppliers benefit from the development.
“That is a synergy I want to see until this product is delivered for the people of Botswana and Namibia. I thank them privately. However, our task now is to interrogate these recommendations. Without favour and fear, robust enrichment is what is going to get us to the H1 corridor development.”
Botswana's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah Salakae, said repeated engagements between the two governments have created expectations among citizens who are eager to see the first steps towards construction.
He noted that December should not pass without clarity on when and how the project will commence.
Salakae added the railway corridor is expected to bring major economic benefits, including thousands of jobs during its first phase.
"They aim to establish a logistics system. As I indicated, this will put food on people's tables. I am informed that, during the first phase, TKM will employ about 6,000 Batswana and 4,000 Namibians. This is unprecedented."
The Trans-Kalahari Railway is expected to strengthen regional trade links between Namibia and Botswana while providing an alternative logistics route connecting the two economies.
Both governments have identified the project as a priority infrastructure development, following commitments by Presidents Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Duma Boko to modernise transport networks and promote regional integration.