Online Reporter
Vincent Gono, Day Editor
ZIMBABWE’S efforts to modernise its border management systems and enhance national security while facilitating regional trade through cutting-edge digital strategies that aim to reduce human interface and minimise corruption will be pursued with undiluted vigour under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), a senior official has said.
Responding to questions from Sunday News, Chief Director in the Department of Immigration Ms Respect Gono said Zimbabwe is enhancing its capacity through several initiatives on migration governance and putting in place several digital innovations aimed at removing bureaucratic travelling bottlenecks.
The initiatives are a response to strengthened regional economic ties that have also necessitated the extension of operating hours.
Ms Gono said while there are no immediate plans to open additional borders, Zimbabwe is actively upgrading and modernising its existing ports of entry, notably Forbes and Chirundu.
These upgrades include the integration of AI-powered systems designed to streamline processing, reduce congestion and improve security adding that the deployment of automated e-gates equipped with biometric recognition and AI-driven data analytics has significantly minimised human interface, leading to faster and more secure travelling.
“As the nation rolls out NDS2, the thrust is to heighten efforts around Artificial Intelligence aided systems to keep abreast with technology in the facilitation of movement. The digital platforms have served to minimise human interface, improve security, enhance convenience through easy accessibility and have also significantly cut on processing times. Congestion at our borders and offices has significantly been eased and facilitation of movement has been enhanced,” she said.
She highlighted other congestion easing initiatives at the ports of entry saying the country recognised the rising economic ties within the region and has extended operating hours at key border posts such as Forbes and Victoria Falls to 24 hours.
This extension is supported by intelligent digital systems that efficiently handle increased traveller flow, ensuring seamless movement across borders even during late hours.
She said the department anticipates the commissioning of new infrastructure at Kasambabezi Border in Binga in the first quarter of 2026, a development that aligns with the Second Republic’s strategic vision to address infrastructural disparities across the country and ensure equitable access to quality facilities at border points.
“Our goal is to ‘leave no one and no place behind’ and every border must be equipped to serve our citizens effectively,” Ms Gono said.
With regards travel trends and border performance, she said in December 2025, Zimbabwe recorded a total of 909 359 travellers who passed through its borders, comprising 515 278 entries and 394 081 exits.
Although this marked a decline compared to December 2024, when total movement was 1 041 403, the figures reflected a broader regional trend of decreased travel during the period.
Beitbridge Border Post remained the busiest gateway, recording 438 661 travellers comprising 264 230 entries and 174 431 exits.
Following closely was Plumtree Border Post, handling 107 882 travellers, while smaller ports such as Kasambabezi registered 1 403 travellers, indicating a steady flow despite the overall decline.
The Chief Director said the launch of Zimbabwe’s National Migration Policy in 2023 developed in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration marked a pivotal turning point in the country’s migration management as it provided a comprehensive framework to tackle migration challenges and harness opportunities responsibly.
“A key milestone has been the rollout of the Online Border Management System (OBMS) in 2024, a digital platform that facilitates e-visas, e-permits and the operation of self-service e-gates at ports of entry and exit.
“Seven e-gates have been deployed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, with additional units at Victoria Falls Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport and Beitbridge Border Post.
“This technological leap not only minimises human contact but also enhances security, expedites processing times and alleviates congestion at border points,” she said.
She said the technological leap aligns with NDS2’s broader digitisation agenda, aiming to position Zimbabwe as a regional leader in border management.
Zimbabwe’s commitment to migration governance extends beyond technology. The country participates actively in international initiatives, serving as one of 37 Champion Countries under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
Other initiatives aimed at enhancing travelling include the establishment a School of Excellence focused on migration studies, which will promote awareness and capacity-building on migration issues nationwide.
On efforts to support vulnerable migrants, the Chief Director said a Toll-Free Call Centre was launched in 2022, providing a vital communication channel for victims of gender-based violence, trafficking and trauma.
“This platform complements the digital infrastructure, ensuring that assistance is accessible to all, regardless of location.”
