16 Feb 2025

 Government’s plan to develop a high-speed train is being pursued through the Wealth Fund which will invest in sustainable mega-infrastructure projects such as fast trains that links major cities.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Noah Salakae said this in response to a parliamentary question where Member of Parliament for Kgatleng West wanted to know government’s commitment towards developing a transformative infrastructure, which includes the proposal for a high-speed train aimed at connecting key urban areas within a three-hour timeframe.

In his response, Mr Salakae noted that the initiative will be aimed at building Wealth Fund which will invest locally, continentally and internationally.

“The focus would be to aggressively build wealth for current and coming generations while at the same time unlocking economic opportunities for both our labour force and entrepreneurs of Africa as well as in major food production, pharmaceuticals and mineral beneficiation supply chains,” he said.

Mr Salakae indicated that this forms part of phase 4 of Building a New Botswana, which was recently addressed in the budget speech, but however noted that it was difficult to confirm the realistic timeline in implementing a high-speed train project given its high magnitude.

“It simply cannot be achieved in one financial year, as it needs time and resources,” he added.

He hoewever shared that the feasibility study will ensue once the Fund was established, and the rest would then follow.

“Leveraging Public-Private- Partnerships (PPP) will play a vital role in mobilising resources needed to accelerate this initiative, marking a significant shift in our approach to economic development, We are on a journey to transforming the old Botswana into a new home, not only home a home but a meticulously designed lifestyle built on a people-centred and inclusive future where one can live their best life,” he said. ENDS