Zimbabwe and Botswana have embarked on a bilateral deal to eliminate passport requirements for each other’s citizens, fostering a new era of unrestricted travel between the two nations.
The announcement comes as part of a broader trend across the African continent, where countries are progressively easing entry restrictions for fellow Africans.
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson, speaking about the initiative, declared, “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?”
President Emmerson highlighted the colonial origins of such restrictions and expressed a shared commitment with Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi to dismantle barriers to free movement.
This move aligns with a growing momentum towards visa-free travel within Africa. Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin have already embraced visa-free entry for African visitors, with Rwanda recently joining the list. The trend underscores a deeper conversation about the potential of connectivity and integration across the continent.
Kenyan President William Ruto has set an ambitious target to eliminate visa requirements for all African visitors by the end of 2023, emphasizing the economic benefits and trade opportunities such a policy shift could bring.
The bilateral deal between Zimbabwe and Botswana signals a significant step towards enhancing mobility and fostering closer ties between African nations.
