Zambia, Botswana advance Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone rail project

Zambia and Botswana have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone (MKL) Rail Project following a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting held on April 1, 2026, in Kasane, Botswana. The meeting, convened through Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics and Botswana’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, brought together senior government officials from both countries, alongside representatives from Zambia Railways Limited and Botswana Railways, to assess progress and provide strategic direction on the implementation of the cross-border railway project. In a statement issued on Friday, Permanent Secretary in Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Fredrick Mwalusaka, described the MKL Rail Project as a significant bilateral initiative that would enhance regional connectivity, facilitate trade, and unlock economic opportunities within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Mwalusaka noted that the railway project remained a critical infrastructure investment aimed at improving transportation efficiency and strengthening trade corridors between the two countries and the broader region. Meanwhile, Acting Permanent Secretary in Botswana’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Pius Seone, reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to meeting its obligations to ensure successful implementation of the project. Both governments emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration and coordination at technical and policy levels to accelerate implementation of the transformative infrastructure initiative.

The Joint Steering Committee, co-chaired by the Permanent Secretaries from both countries, acknowledged progress made so far and stressed the need to expedite the resolution of outstanding issues relating to the consultant’s deliverables. The committee also called for approval of key project milestones to unlock the next phase of implementation and urged strengthened institutional coordination and stakeholder engagement to maintain momentum. Further, the committee emphasised the urgency of completing the Bankable Feasibility Study, with the Joint Technical Committee tasked to ensure all outstanding studies are finalised by the end of 2026.

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The two governments reiterated their shared vision of delivering the MKL Rail Project as a transformative regional infrastructure initiative expected to boost trade, stimulate economic growth, and enhance connectivity between Zambia and Botswana. Once completed, the railway is expected to significantly improve cargo and passenger movement between the two countries, while strengthening linkages to regional and international markets. The project is also expected to reduce transportation costs and ease pressure on road infrastructure. The Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone Rail Project is a cross-border railway initiative spanning approximately 430 kilometres, comprising 365 kilometres from Mosetse to Kazungula and 65 kilometres from Kazungula to Livingstone.

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