Antony Chawagarira
Bulawayo —Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Duma Boko agreed to introduce national identity card–based travel between Zimbabwe and Botswana, a move expected to ease cross-border movement and strengthen regional integration.
The agreement was reached during the Fifth Session of the Botswana–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission held during President Boko’s state visit to Zimbabwe. The leaders said the initiative would simplify travel procedures by allowing citizens to use national identity cards instead of passports when crossing designated border points.
Officials indicated that the measure was designed to reduce travel costs and administrative barriers that have long affected cross-border traders, families, and small-scale businesses operating between the two countries. Authorities noted that improved mobility was expected to enhance trade volumes and support economic activity in border communities.
As part of the initiative, both Governments also discussed plans to introduce secure, technology-enabled identity systems to improve verification processes and enhance border security. The proposed system is expected to use encrypted identification features capable of reducing fraud while enabling faster processing of travellers at key border posts such as Plumtree Border Post and Ramokgwebana Border Post.
The development follows similar regional arrangements aimed at facilitating easier movement of people and goods within Southern Africa. Authorities from both countries said technical teams would now work on aligning systems and procedures required to operationalise the ID-based travel framework.
President Boko was Guest of Honour at the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026, where the initiative is anticipated to be highlighted as part of broader efforts to promote trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
