Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. Noah Salakae, and Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Museba Tayali, are meeting in Kasane for the Joint Ministerial Committee of the Mosetse-Kazungula-Livingstone (MKL) Rail Link Project, a transformative cross-border infrastructure initiative.
The MKL Rail Link Project has garnered strong political backing at the highest levels of leadership in both nations. The importance of this strategic project has been consistently championed by Zambia’s President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, as well as by Botswana’s leadership—first under former President His Excellency Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi and more recently reaffirmed by the current President of Botswana, His Excellency Duma Gideon Boko, during their respective visits to Zambia.
The project is poised to unlock significant socio-economic potential by enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating trade, and fostering sustainable economic growth. Once completed, the rail link will provide a seamless transport corridor between Mosetse in Botswana, Kazungula, and Livingstone in Zambia, strengthening trade routes between Southern Africa and international markets.
Hon. Salakae emphasised that the MKL Rail Link is not only a transport project but a powerful catalyst for economic transformation. “This project will serve as critical transport infrastructure, bolstering our economies and strengthening the bonds between Botswana and Zambia, as well as the wider Southern African Development Community (SADC) region,” he stated.
The rail corridor is expected to significantly reduce the cost and time of moving goods between the two nations, while also offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to road transport. Key industries—including mining, agriculture, and manufacturing—stand to benefit from enhanced logistical efficiency, which will create new opportunities for businesses and communities across both countries.
Hon. Tayali reiterated Zambia’s commitment to the project and the deepening of bilateral cooperation. “The MKL Rail Link will foster greater economic integration, promote job creation, and elevate the competitiveness of our region on the global stage,” he said.
The Kasane meeting is expected to chart the way forward on key implementation milestones, financing mechanisms, and collaborative efforts required to bring this flagship infrastructure project to fruition.
As discussions progress, both Botswana and Zambia remain committed to ensuring that the MKL Rail Link becomes a symbol of regional unity and shared prosperity—laying new tracks for stronger economic ties and a brighter future for generations to come.
