Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in GABORONE, Botswana
ZIMBABWEANS living in Botswana will next year be able to obtain new passports at their Gaborone Embassy within seven days without needing to return home, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
Additionally, plans are underway to implement a 24-hour service at the Plumtree Border Post, alongside future developments for a one-stop border post, all aimed at facilitating the ease of doing business between the two countries.
The e-passport roll out follows the successful implementation of the programme in Johannesburg, where Zimbabweans living in South Africa can now acquire passports without the hassle of travelling back to Zimbabwe.
Addressing the Zimbabwean business community in Gaborone at the weekend, VP Chiwenga said the diaspora in Botswana contributes significantly to remittances. Last year, they were ranked as the fifth largest source of remittances to Zimbabwe with remittances of US$54 million out of US$2.54 billion, behind the United Kingdom, South Africa, the United States and Australia.
The Vice President encouraged the Zimbabwean business community in Botswana to invest back home, highlighting the importance of their contributions to Zimbabwe’s economy.
“Delays at the Plumtree/Ramokgwebana Border. We are collaborating with the Government of Botswana to address this challenge by transforming the current border into a One-Stop Border Post,” said VP Chiwenga.
“In the interim, efforts are being made to improve efficiency and extend the operating hours of the border post.
“On the issue of processing passports, I am glad to inform you that the Government will, in the first quarter of 2026, install the e-passport system here at the Embassy in Gaborone.
“This will mean that as long as your documents are in order, you will now be able to apply for and collect your passports at the embassy within seven working days.”
He said Zimbabweans in the diaspora remain a priority for the Government, and the interactive sessions present an invaluable opportunity for authorities and the diaspora to engage, share investment opportunities and experiences.
“Zimbabwe remains open for business for its nationals based abroad. Our mantra is that ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo / Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo’,” said VP Chiwenga.
In efforts to foster a conducive environment for domestic, diaspora and foreign investments to thrive in the country, the Government is implementing several initiatives.
The measures, said the VP, include relaxing and improving laws on investment across the economic spectrum, reviving and growing the economy by reducing Government expenditure, reducing the time to register a company and reducing prohibitive fees, re-engaging the hitherto hostile Western nations and multilateral financial institutions while maintaining and strengthening existing friendships and fighting corruption, both in the public and private sectors.
“We encourage you to form consortiums aimed at investing in agriculture, mining, infrastructure, tourism and real estate in line with your skill set and in recognition of the enabling environment the Government has created in those sectors,” said VP Chiwenga.
“The valuable skills you have acquired in your sojourns here in Botswana should be harnessed for the promotion of business enterprises in your homeland, particularly in the domain of value addition and beneficiation.”
“The Government is taking measures to address the concerns of our diaspora communities, including those pertaining to the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe and the challenges faced in the repatriation of profits and other related investments.”
The Government is also working closely with the Government of Botswana through the Bi-National Commission platform to address challenges faced by Zimbabweans in Botswana in obtaining and renewing permits.
“I would like to assure you that the Government is ready to continue improving the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe and protecting the interests and welfare of the Zimbabwean business community in Botswana,” said VP Chiwenga.
“Let me reiterate that you should take time to reflect and consider investing in your motherland, Zimbabwe.”
Those who attended the engagement with the Vice President were happy, saying they got more than they had bargained for.
“It was highly engaging and very promising. We really look forward to the follow-through,” said Ms Patience Mpofu.
“It’s great to have these kinds of forums; I honestly didn’t think it would last this long, but we were here for quite a long time, which shows there was a lot to be said and a lot to be answered. From here on, it’s about action.”
Engineer Owen Gangaidzo said: “The commitment is really substantial. Surely there are challenges here and there, like in any other country; that’s understandable. I think all we need is to ensure that the issue of confidence is established.”
