Botswana Spearheading Regional Development with Strategic Railway Infrastructure Projects in Line with Vision 2036
At the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) conference and exhibition held towards the end of October 2023, Botswana Railways’ Chairman, Mr. Mmoloki Ramaeba, represented the Hon Minister Eric Molale of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The minister was unable to attend the event as he and the President of the Republic of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, were in Botswana to officiate at the launch of the Botswana Inaugural Development Manager (DM) model.
The DM model is a pivotal programme in Botswana’s infrastructure development, with an investment exceeding 13 billion Pula, divided into nine distinct packages, encompassing 143 projects. This initiative signifies the Botswana government’s firm commitment to infrastructure investment and development, directly aligning with the country’s Vision 2036.
Vision 2036, a transformative agenda, aims to elevate Botswana from an upper-middle-income to a high-income country. It is in harmony with the Global Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Africa Agenda 2063 principles.
Key to achieving Vision 2036 is the development of world-class infrastructure to boost economic diversification and international trade. The Botswana government is investing in railway transport infrastructure to support various economic sectors. A major focus is to create links with neighbouring countries, enhancing regional integration.
One notable project is the Mmamabula-Lephalale rail line, a 133 km connection starting from Mmamabula and joining the South African infrastructure at Lephalale. This project, with an estimated cost of around 3 billion Pula, is being pursued through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) between the governments of Botswana and South Africa.
Botswana Railways is also developing alternative rail links to the existing railway line in the country. Another significant initiative is the Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone Railway, estimated to cost about 30 billion Pula. This route is anticipated to open a gateway to North African markets, fostering inter-regional trade. An agreement between the governments of Botswana and Zambia is expected soon, marking a significant step in this project.
Moreover, the Trans-Kalahari Railway project, a bilateral agreement between Botswana and Namibia, envisages a 1,500-kilometre line, with costs estimated to exceed 40 billion Pula. Groundbreaking for this project is scheduled for the 2025-2026 financial year.
With these expansive projects, the need for enhanced rolling stock capacity is evident. Botswana Railways is thus working on constructing a maintenance workshop facility for rolling stock maintenance. This project, too, is planned to be executed via PPP, with pre-qualified private investors already in place.
In summary, Botswana’s robust and strategic infrastructure development plans, as presented at the SARA conference, reflect the nation’s dedication to achieving its Vision 2036 and strengthening its position in the regional and global economy.