Implement a phased approach to free movement, President

Zvamaida Murwira, Senior Reporter

President Mnangagwa has proposed a phased approach to remove the requirement for passports for Zimbabwean and Botswana citizens in order to enhance free movement as part of measures to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

The President said this in his opening remarks at the Zimbabwe–Botswana Bi-National Commission meeting held at State House on Wednesday.

President Mnangagwa is co-chairing the BNC with his Botswana counterpart, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko.

“The people of Zimbabwe and Botswana are one family. Bonds between Zimbabwe and Botswana are not merely diplomatic; they are historical, cultural and deeply rooted in our shared heritage, solidarity, as well as common aspirations for peace, development and prosperity for our countries and peoples. While borders separate jurisdictions, our communities—and even our wildlife—continue to move freely. We are one people,” said President Mnangagwa.

“In this regard, we must move decisively to ease the movement of people, goods and services. I propose a phased framework for the use of national identity documents in place of passports, beginning with border communities and short-term travel. Harmonised immigration systems, One-Stop Border Posts, digital clearance platforms and efficient trader schemes remain priority areas towards accelerating the flow of goods and reducing the cost of doing business.”

In his remarks, President Boko called for accelerated cooperation between the two countries.

“As we formally open this session of the Bi-National Commission, I wish to reaffirm the deep-rooted bonds of friendship, solidarity and shared history that unite our two nations. These ties continue to provide a firm foundation upon which we advance our common aspirations for prosperity, stability and sustainable development,” said President Boko.

“The Bi-National Commission remains an indispensable institutional mechanism for steering our bilateral relations. It enables us not only to review progress across sectors, but also to identify emerging opportunities for collaboration, as well as to provide strategic direction that ensures our partnership remains dynamic, responsive and mutually beneficial.”

The BNC will culminate in the signing of 10 Memoranda of Agreement in different economic sectors, which will give impetus to the two countries’ warm bilateral relations.

Zimbabwe and Botswana enjoy warm bilateral relations dating back to the liberation struggle.