Passport removal to boost Zim-Bots trade

The agreement between President Mnangagwa and President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana to allow passport-free travel between Zimbabwe and its western neighbour is a trade masterstroke, a political and trade expert has said.

University of Zimbabwe lecturer Dr Prolific Mataruse, who specialises in politics and international trade, said the agreement came at a great time when African countries were pushing for the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

AfCFTA aims to create a single and liberalised market for goods and services and aiding movement of goods and services across the continent without restrictions.

On the Zimbabwean side, Cabinet has since directed the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage to develop terms allowing for passport-free travel between Zimbabwe and Botswana for their citizens.

The directive follows last week’s agreement between President Mnangagwa and President Masisi to allow their citizens to travel with just identity documents.

Dr Mataruse said if successfully operationalised, the agreement will benefit both countries.

“Freedom of movement amongst Africans is the cornerstone of Pan-African citizenship, integration and trade in goods and services,” he said. “The two Presidents have contributed towards breaking the logjam in the movement of persons on the continent.

“Zimbabwe and Botswana have become the latest with the innovative arrangement on the continent by promoting passport-openness and travel document solutions in pursuit of the 2018 Free Movement Protocol and the 1991 Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community.

“This is a masterstroke by the two Presidents, especially at a time African countries are pushing to boost intra-African trade, and this will not only benefit conglomerates, but it will allow even small-scale businesses to export.” 

Dr Mataruse said sceptics from both sides were misinformed if they thought the arrangement will lead to an influx of either Zimbabweans or Batswana into either country. 

Using national identity cards was faster and beneficial to those exporting goods such as agricultural produce.

Even when using national identity cards, there are likely to be deadlines for travellers to return to their countries after finishing their businesses.

The agreement between Zimbabwe and Botswana is yet another milestone achievement by the Second Republic in its engagement and re-engagement policy, which has aided the country’s economic diplomacy thrust.

The National Development Strategy 1 mid-term review also noted the strides by Government in its foreign policy thrust.

“International relations improved significantly during the first half of NDS 1 as evidenced by high number of re-engagement meetings held, the number of high level visits and engagements achieved, the high number of bi-national and joint commissions convened, as well as increased foreign direct investment inflows,” reads the review.

In an address to the nation after a Cabinet meeting last week, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere noted the positives associated with the passport-free travel regime.

“They (the Presidents) have agreed in principle and in terms of policy direction to allow for a free movement dispensation by using identity documents,” said Dr Muswere.

“But, also what is of importance is that we are one people, the people of Zimbabwe and the people of Botswana given the historical background that before these were just colonial borders brought about during the scramble for Africa.”

Dr Muswere said this inhibited trade and the free movement between Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Herald

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Government’s Business Reforms: A Path to Stability or a Strain on Informal Enterprises?

The latest economic measures approved by Cabinet signal a decisive push by the Government to formalize businesses, widen the tax base, and refine the foreign exchange market. Following the presentation of the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on February 6, authorities have introduced a mix of short- and long-term strategies […]

Read More
News

Zimbabwe Targets 340% Surge in Crop Production as Government Strengthens Food Security Measures

Zimbabwe’s food security prospects have received a significant boost, with the government targeting a 340% increase in major crop production for the 2024/2025 summer season, a move set to enhance national self-sufficiency and rural livelihoods. The update, presented during the first post-Cabinet press briefing of 2025 by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and […]

Read More
News

SADC-EAC Joint Summit: A Strategic Step Toward Lasting Peace in the DRC?

The recently held Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) Joint Summit in Dar es Salaam marked a significant step in regional efforts to address the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Chaired by His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, as SADC Chairperson, alongside His Excellency Dr. […]

Read More