Zambia, Botswana Meet to Discuss Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone Railway Project
The Governments of Zambia and Botswana held governance meetings regarding the construction of the Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone (MKL) railway link project from 24th to 28th March 2025, at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
The purpose of the meetings was to look at the project update following the signing of the Sponsorship Agreement for the bankable feasibility study and the construction of the MKL railway link in March last year in Livingstone by President Hakainde Hichilema and former President of the Republic of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi.
During the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) Meeting, Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MOTL) Permanent Secretary, Eng Fredrick Mwalusaka and Co-Chair of JSC was represented by MOTL Director Human Resources and Administration who was Acting Permanent Secretary Dr. Cynthia Balengu.
In the welcome remarks, Dr Balengu said it was important for the two countries to convene and deliberate on the progress, challenges and the road map on the MKL railway link project following the signing of the sponsorship agreement.
Dr Balengu said the bilateral meetings reaffirmed the shared vision and the strategic partnership between the two countries in advancing regional connectivity, trade facilitation, social and economic development.
“This meeting came at a crucial time when we must take stock of the milestones achieved and also being mindful of the project delays and outstanding matters that require collective decision,” read part of the speech.
Botswana’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Permanent Secretary Mr. Kgakgamatso Ketshajwang and Co-Chair of the JSC emphasized that the development of the Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone railway link will close a gap that is existing along the North-South corridor and that this link will improve rail connectivity between North and South African ports.
Mr. Ketshajwang said the successful implementation of the railway link will unlock significant opportunities for trade and logistics benefiting not only the two countries but the entire Southern African Development Countries (SADC) region.
“As Botswana, we are looking forward to the completion of this project, as it will save our road infrastructure which currently carry heavy loads and gets damaged quickly before the planned life span is reached,” said Mr. Ketshajwang.
Meanwhile, during the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) Meeting which preceded the JSC meeting, MOTL Director of Transport Eng. Nkumbu Siame and his Co-Chair Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in Botswana, Johannes Tsimako, echoed the importance of the project to the two member states.
During the JTC Meeting, Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi, who is a member of the JTC and JSC, emphasized the importance of transport and logistics in the economies world over.
Eng. Malindi said he was glad that the Zambian government has placed transport and logistics as a priority on the development agenda.
His counterpart from Botswana Railways, who was representing the General Manager, Mr. Palalani Mari, said the project is a testament to the strong collaboration aimed at enhancing regional trade, economic integration and seamless connectivity across the borders of the two countries.
Speaking on behalf of the Co-Chair of the Joint Technical Review Committee (JTRC) and Assistant Director – Rail in the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Eng. Jordan Zimba, ZRL Director Technical Services Eng. Kennedy Zitha, who is also a member of the JTRC, said there is a need to accelerate the project and stick to the set timelines, stating that most of the project deliverables are behind schedule.
The Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone Railway Link is a prospected 430-kilometre stretch connecting the Botswana railway network at Mosetse in Botswana with the Zambian railway network at Livingstone through the new Kazungula bridge.
The railway line will offer a direct railway transport route for goods and people between the two countries and enhance regional connectivity.
