News

1. The Joint Ministerial Committee meeting of the Mosetse-Kazungula
Livingstone Railway Link Project was held in Kasane, Botswana on 6th
June, 2025.

2. The purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on the progress and
strategic direction of the Mosetse – Kazungula – Livingstone Railway Link
Project.

3. The delegation of the Republic of Zambia was led by Honourable Museba
Frank Tayali, MP, Minister of Transport and Logistics. The Honourable
Minister was accompanied by Mr. Fredrick Mwalusaka, Permanent
Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and Co-Chairperson of
the Joint Steering Committee (JSC), Eng. Nkumbu Siame, Director of
Transport and Co-Chairperson of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC),
Eng. Cuthbert Malindi, Managing Director of Zambia Railways and other
Senior Government Officials.

4. The delegation of the Republic of Botswana was led by Honourable Noah
S. L. M. Salakae, MP, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. The
Honourable Minister was accompanied by Mr. Ken K. Ketshajwang,
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and
Co-Chairperson of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC), His Excellency Mr. Alpheus Matlhaku, High Commissioner of Botswana to Zambia, Ms.
Onalenna Sechele, Chobe District Commissioner, Mr. Plato Kabelo Gaoboi,
Board Chairperson of Botswana Railways, Mr. Johannes 0. Tsimako,
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructure and Co-Chairperson of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC),
Ms. Chelesile Malele, Acting General Manager of Botswana Railways and
other Senior Government Officials.

5. In their opening remarks, the Honourable Ministers highlighted the
importance of the meeting as it signifies a shared vision and commitrment
to improving regional connectivity and economic growth through the
realisation of the Mosetse – Kazungula – Livingstone Railway Link Project.

6. The meeting underscored the strategic importance of the project in
facilitating trade, promoting economic growth, and improving regional
logistics efficiency.

7. During the course of the discussions, the Joint Ministerial Committee:
i) Noted with appreciation, the progress achieved on the project and the
feasibility study;
i) Reiterated commitment to jointly develop the MKL Railway Link with
due regard for environmental sustainability, social inclusivity, and
economic viability;
ii) Resolved to strengthen the existing bilateral coordination mechanisms
to accelerate implementation and ensure effective oversight of the
project;
iv) Noted the guidance provided to the technical teams to carefully
explore and determine the suitable funding method, which may be
considered to secure the capital required for construction. The
members have committed to assemble financial experts to start the
work immediately to recommend the preferred funding option.

8. The Honourable Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue
working closely together to explore the strategic cooperation and
partnership in the areas of transport, logistics, and infrastructure
development in the region.

9. They further reaffirmed the two Governments commitment to regional
integration and sustainable development through the advancement of
cross-border railway connectivity.

10. The Honourable Ministers acknowledged the warm and excellent bilateral relations that exist between Botswana and Zambia, which are anchored on long-standing, historical and political bonds, and common cultural
heritage.

11. Honourable Tayali, MP, expressed appreciation to Honourable Salakae,
MP, for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Zambian delegation
during their stay in Botswana.

ISSUED AT KASANE, BOTSWANA ON 6TH JUNE, 2025.

For the Republic of Botswana
Hon. Noah S.L.M. Salakae, MP
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure.

For the Republic of Zambia
Hon. Museba Frank Tayali, MP
Minister of Transport and Logistics