Zimbabwe, Botswana pursue dialogue for cross-border movement

Zimbabwe is intensifying dialogue with Botswana to enhance the smooth movement of people between the two countries, including securing a special dispensation for Zimbabweans working in the neighbouring nation.

Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Botswana, Henry Bariraishe Mukonoweshuro, confirmed the ongoing discussions during an interview after touring 20 Zimbabwean companies exhibiting at the Global Expo Botswana 2025.

He said relations between Harare and Gaborone remain strong, and the new administration under President Duma Boko has shown great warmth and willingness to deepen cooperation with Zimbabwe.

"Seamless movement of our citizens is very crucial. As you know, we have borders, and we can't run away from our neighbours, especially when we have relatives living across them," said Ambassador Mukonoweshuro. "President Boko has indicated in his maiden speeches that he is considering a special dispensation for Zimbabweans. We are also exploring ways for border communities to use national IDs for travel, similar to the arrangement Botswana has with Namibia."

He said discussions between the two countries' Ministries of Home Affairs and Immigration were underway under the Bi-National Commission framework to finalise modalities for easier cross-border movement.

The Zimbabwean Embassy in Gaborone has previously rolled out outreach programmes to help citizens regularise their stay through access to proper documentation.

Beyond migration issues, Zimbabwe and Botswana are also expanding economic and developmental cooperation. The two countries continue to collaborate on controlling foot and mouth disease and are exploring skills exchange programmes in agriculture.

"They intend to teach us more on the veterinary side, because they are advanced in that area," said Ambassador Mukonoweshuro. "It's all about complementing each other's strengths — learning where we lack and sharing where we excel."

He added that President Boko's administration has expressed admiration for Zimbabwe's expertise in technical and agricultural training. "There are many opportunities ahead, especially as Botswana looks to diversify its economy beyond diamonds, which are declining in demand due to synthetics," he said.

"In this diversification, our people have great potential in sectors such as farming, irrigation and horticulture. These are areas where we can transfer skills and contribute meaningfully to Botswana's economic goals while strengthening bilateral relations."

Ambassador Mukonoweshuro commended the 20 Zimbabwean firms participating in the Global Expo Botswana, saying they were effectively showcasing the country's manufacturing and agricultural potential. "It's quite impressive — the mix of companies, especially those in agriculture. Botswana is keen to diversify into this sector, and there's strong interest in our expertise and products," he said.

He pointed out that the leather industry also presents a major opportunity for collaboration. "There are many cattle in Botswana, but the tanneries are not performing well. This creates room for our companies to step in and add value through partnerships," he added.

Despite the positive momentum, Ambassador Mukonoweshuro acknowledged that trade volumes between the two countries remain low and skewed in Botswana's favour. "We need to do more. Botswana's trade is mostly aligned with South Africa due to the Southern African Customs Union, but with their diversification drive, there's space for Zimbabwean products," he said.

He noted that Botswana had recently lifted, in part, a ban on vegetable imports, creating an opening for Zimbabwean producers. "We can expand trade, especially in agriculture and timber. Botswana's construction sector is booming, and there's growing demand for timber. With sufficient supply from our side, especially through the Mutare border, we can meet that demand and grow our exports," he said.

The ambassador emphasised that continued engagement, combined with targeted trade and skills partnerships, would further strengthen the already cordial ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana.