CHAMWE KAIRA
The Governments of Botswana and Namibia are making progress on the planned Trans Kalahari Railway (TKR) Project, a strategic infrastructure initiative aimed at providing Botswana and the region with direct rail access to the Atlantic Ocean through the port of Walvis Bay.
Botswana’s ministry of transport and infrastructure said the planned railway line will start north of the port of Walvis Bay in Namibia and run through to Botswana, creating an alternative transport route to support regional trade and logistics.
The TKR is expected to complement existing road transport corridors by improving connectivity, reducing transport costs, easing congestion at the Walvis Bay port corridors, and strengthening Southern Africa’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
“High-level bilateral engagements between Botswana and Namibia are continuing as part of efforts to advance the project,” the ministry said.
The next phase of discussions will involve a joint technical and ministerial meeting hosted by Botswana in Kasane, where officials will focus on finalising technical specifications, financing models and regulatory frameworks required to move the project forward.
The railway project forms part of broader efforts by both countries to deepen economic cooperation and enhance trade facilitation through improved infrastructure links.
Meanwhile, Botswana’s state-owned logistics company Sea Rail has outlined plans to expand its role in regional logistics services through the development of a sustainable dry port operation at the Port of Walvis Bay.
Sea Rail managing director Derick Mokgatle presented the company’s strategic intent during a high-level engagement in Walvis Bay attended by newly appointed board members from Botswana.
Sea Rail plans to operate a sustainable dry port supported by partnerships that will enable safe and cost-effective import and export services.
The company said it aims to increase revenue by 25% year-on-year while expanding across the logistics value chain through strategic partnerships.
Sea Rail also plans to strengthen collaboration with the Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) to develop additional under-roof capacity and increase container flows between dry ports through road transport networks.
Other initiatives include establishing and operationalising the Sea Rail Botswana office in Gaborone, strengthening cooperation with government supply chain operations, supporting the development of the Trans Kalahari Corridor, including the proposed Gobabis/Mmamuno Clearing Office, and acquiring additional equipment to improve operational efficiency.
The company said the strategy is aligned with Botswana’s Economic Transformation Programme and Vision 2036, with the objective of integrating port, corridor and inland logistics services to improve trade facilitation, support export diversification and create employment opportunities for Batswana.
The TKR and Sea Rail expansion plans are expected to further strengthen the Walvis Bay corridor as a key gateway for landlocked countries in Southern Africa seeking access to international markets.
