Namibia and Botswana are making steady progress in the realisation of the Trans-Kalahari Railway (TKR) Line Project.

The two countries are moving towards the end of the feasibility study and commencing the process of identifying an investor.

During the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting on Friday, the two ministers in charge of transport highlighted the need to accelerate the project.

The Trans-Kalahari Railway is a planned heavy-haul rail line intended to connect Botswana's inland rail network with the Namibian port of Walvis Bay.

The idea is to create a more efficient freight route for exports and imports and to boost regional trade.

Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, emphasised, "The project remained aligned with the roadmap, which was the guiding tool for the implementation of this project. With the exception of the submission of some deliverables. Such as the inception report, the needs assessment report and the approval of the route alignment. A lot remains to be done. Therefore, it is important that we collectively do not take our eyes from the dial."

Botswana's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah Salakae, says the project will play a crucial role in facilitating trade across Africa, harnessing the region's economic potential and participating in regional integration. 

"The information that is shared with us clearly demonstrates that the long-delayed mega project is on time; it's a non-budget. We might only need to further engage the consultant to see if we can't finish before time. This is the only thing that I think I will wish to place before you, but I think it's also doable. Move June a bit closer to March so that our people can become more and more happy."

The Joint Ministerial Committee meeting forms part of the three-tier governance meetings of the TKR project Joint Technical Committee.