Yesha
Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 54
- 37
Zimbabwe and Botswana have agreed in principle to allow their citizens to cross between the two countries using national identity cards instead of passports, in a move aimed at easing movement of people and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The agreement was discussed during the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) held in Bulawayo, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana President Duma Boko met on the sidelines of broader economic and diplomatic engagements.
According to official reporting, the proposal is part of ongoing efforts under the Zimbabwe–Botswana Bi-National Commission to simplify cross-border travel, beginning with border communities and short-term travel before full implementation.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and Botswana share deep historical and cultural ties, noting that “the people of Zimbabwe and Botswana are one family,” and emphasised that while borders define jurisdictions, communities and livelihoods remain interconnected.
He further proposed a phased approach to replace passports with national identity documents, starting with limited categories of travellers, and called for harmonised immigration systems and digital border clearance to support the transition.
President Duma Boko reportedly supported the proposal, indicating agreement in principle and stressing the importance of improving regional integration and reducing barriers to movement and trade.
Reports from the engagement also indicate that the initiative is still at a policy stage and will require legal and technological frameworks before implementation, including adjustments to immigration systems and border management infrastructure.
If implemented, the arrangement would allow citizens of both countries to use national identity cards for cross-border travel, initially for limited purposes such as short visits and border-area movement.
The agreement was discussed during the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) held in Bulawayo, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana President Duma Boko met on the sidelines of broader economic and diplomatic engagements.
According to official reporting, the proposal is part of ongoing efforts under the Zimbabwe–Botswana Bi-National Commission to simplify cross-border travel, beginning with border communities and short-term travel before full implementation.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and Botswana share deep historical and cultural ties, noting that “the people of Zimbabwe and Botswana are one family,” and emphasised that while borders define jurisdictions, communities and livelihoods remain interconnected.
He further proposed a phased approach to replace passports with national identity documents, starting with limited categories of travellers, and called for harmonised immigration systems and digital border clearance to support the transition.
President Duma Boko reportedly supported the proposal, indicating agreement in principle and stressing the importance of improving regional integration and reducing barriers to movement and trade.
Reports from the engagement also indicate that the initiative is still at a policy stage and will require legal and technological frameworks before implementation, including adjustments to immigration systems and border management infrastructure.
If implemented, the arrangement would allow citizens of both countries to use national identity cards for cross-border travel, initially for limited purposes such as short visits and border-area movement.
