President Mnangagwa has announced that Zimbabwe and Botswana are collaborating to eliminate passport requirements, facilitating smooth movement of people and goods between the two countries.
During a Presidential panel discussion at the Kusi Ideas Festival, co-hosted by the Nation Media Group of Kenya and the Government of Botswana, President Mnangagwa revealed that both he and President Mokgweetsi Masisi have agreed to initiate the necessary legal processes for this endeavour.
The aim is to streamline entry procedures so that individuals can freely travel between Zimbabwe and Botswana without facing unnecessary hurdles. President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of unity among African nations, highlighting that Africans should have the freedom to travel within the continent without restrictions.
“We have agreed that from now on, we will instruct our officials so that they would be no question of how to enter Zimbabwe; how to enter Botswana. That should be cleared.
The two of us have agreed because we are African. We should be able to walk into Botswana, walk into Zambia, walk into Kenya. Why should we restrict ourselves?” he said.
By working towards the removal of passport requirements, Zimbabwe and Botswana are fostering a spirit of regional cooperation and integration. This initiative aligns with broader efforts across Africa to promote the free movement of people and goods, enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between nations.
The commitment shown by President Mnangagwa and President Masisi reflects the shared vision of a connected and prosperous Africa. As the legal processes are set in motion, both countries will work collaboratively to ensure the smooth implementation of this new travel arrangement, facilitating greater mobility and deeper regional integration.
