BOTSWANA RAILWAYS HOSTS MMAMABULA LEPHALALE RAIL LINK INVESTOR FORUM

Botswana Railways organized the Mmamabula-Lephalale Rail Link Investor Forum in Gaborone on March 26, 2025, where the Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. Keoagile Atamelang was the keynote speaker. The high-level engagement  aimed to draw in investors to back the creation of the new rail link , which is designed to improve regional rail connections and promote trade between Botswana and South Africa. The forum acted as a key platform for showcasing the results of the Mmamabula-Lephalale Rail Link (MLRL) Feasibility Study and detailing the forthcoming steps for its implementation. As Botswana Railways aims to enhance the efficiency of cross-border trade, the gathering was vital in attracting investment and obtaining financing for the projectThe Mmamabula-Lephalale Rail Link serves as an essential rail route that aims to connect Botswana's Mmamabula coalfields with Lephalale in South Africa, facilitating better access to export markets. This initiative is anticipated to enhance bulk commodity exports, promote regional trade, and reinforce economic relationships between the two nations. Ms. Chelesile Malele, Acting General Manager of Botswana Railways, stated, “The significance of this infrastructure is immense, as it supports the goal of tapping into Botswana’s mineral resources and enhances regional connectivity."The symposium, which brought together important stakeholders, possible investors, and officials, emphasized the role that infrastructure investment plays in promoting regional integration and economic progress. "These events are crucial in engaging investors, government officials, and other stakeholders in understanding the potential benefits of the train link," Hon. Atlamelang said in his speech. Additionally, he urged everyone there to participate constructively in their discussions so that the best private partner could be identified to fund the project. As discussions progress, Botswana Railways remains committed to advancing the project and ensuring its successful implementation for the benefit of both Botswana and the broader Southern African region.