Botswana-Walvis rail link ‘a strategic priority’

President Duma Boko of Botswana has set an ambitious year-end target to commence work on the proposed $10 billion Trans-Kalahari Railway (TKR), signalling renewed momentum for one of southern Africa’s most strategic regional infrastructure projects. The railway, envisioned to connect Botswana’s mineral-rich regions and coalfields, including Mmamabula, to the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia, remains a priority for both governments. The project is expected to play a significant role in enhancing regional trade, strengthening economic integration, improving logistics efficiency, and supporting the movement of bulk commodities to international markets through the Atlantic gateway. According to Irvaan Maharaj, business development manager for South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe at the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, the Trans- Kalahari Corridor (TKC) continues to gain momentum as a strategic trade and logistics route. “Through proactive business- to-business engagements with emerging iron ore and manganese mining companies, as well as importers of agricultural commodities, WBCG continues to facilitate tailored shipping logistics and integrated transport solutions that unlock new trade opportunities and improve supply chain efficiency,” he said. “These interventions are strengthening the competitiveness of the corridor while reinforcing the Port of Walvis Bay’s position as a gateway to regional and international markets.” Maharaj said cargo volumes along the corridor were being driven primarily by growing bulk copper concentrate exports from Botswana’s mining sector. “The WBCG has played an important role in positioning the TKC as a safe, efficient and reliable trade route for the Botswana market. Growing volumes reflect increasing confidence in the corridor’s ability to provide efficient access to global markets.” He said the proposed railway would further enhance the corridor’s role in regional trade. “Botswana and Namibia view the TKR as a strategic infrastructure priority. Once completed, it will significantly strengthen the corridor’s capacity and improve connectivity between Botswana’s mining regions and international export markets through Walvis Bay.” Maharaj said the corridor’s performance was also being supported by ongoing border and trade facilitation improvements. “The 24-hour border operations and the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) continue to enhance the efficiency and attractiveness of the TKC by reducing border delays, streamlining customs and clearance procedures, and improving transit time predictability,” he told Freight News. “These trade facilitation measures, coupled with the WBCG’s efforts to strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector, reinforce the corridor’s position as a safe, efficient, and reliable route for regional and international trade. Collectively, these initiatives continue to enhance the competitiveness of the TKC as a preferred trade route for Botswana, the wider region, and global markets.” Maharaj said Botswana continued to present significant growth opportunities for the corridor, particularly in the mining sector, where new copper and lithium projects were being developed. “We are strategically positioning the TKC as the logistics solution of choice for these emerging industries by facilitating market linkages, promoting trade and investment opportunities, and supporting integrated transport solutions,” he said. According to Maharaj, rising global demand for critical minerals and battery metals is expected to create further opportunities for the corridor. “The WBCG remains committed to leveraging these developments to expand regional trade, strengthen corridor utilisation, and support greater economic integration within the SADC region.” Looking ahead, Maharaj said the outlook for both Botswana and the TKC remained positive, supported by the continued mining sector expansion and growing regional trade opportunities. “While mining is expected to remain a key driver of volumes, we are also promoting opportunities in the manufacturing, agriculture and horticulture sectors, which are expected to contribute to both import and export growth through the Port of Walvis Bay. LV