Zimbabwe border migration declines

Migration flows across Zimbabwe's major border posts declined in March 2026, according to a new report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), reflecting shifting regional mobility patterns driven largely by economic pressures.

The IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix Flow Monitoring Dashboard recorded 3 607 movements during the month, a 19% drop compared to February. Data was collected at key transit points including Chirundu, Beitbridge and Maitengwe.

Demographic information was captured for 91% of travellers, showing that men made up the majority. Of those profiled, 56% were men, 29% women, while boys and girls under 18 accounted for 8% and 7% respectively.

Economic necessity remained the leading driver of migration, with 52% of travellers moving in search of employment. Among these, 63% identified South Africa as their destination, underlining its continued role as a regional labour hub.

The report highlights the diversity of migration flows, with the top nationalities recorded as Zimbabwean (31%), Malawian (29%), Congolese from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12%), Zambian (8%), Tanzanian (6%) and Mozambican (4%). It also noted a decline in travellers from countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda.

Beyond economic reasons, social factors also influenced mobility. The IOM found that 67% of respondents were married, while temporary travel for personal reasons accounted for a notable share of movements.

In terms of education, 43% of migrants reported having upper secondary education, suggesting a workforce with moderate levels of formal training. Among those employed, the most common occupations were skilled manual work (18%), technicians (17%) and elementary jobs (17%).

The IOM explained that its flow monitoring methodology combines direct observation and interviews at designated points to capture mobility trends and migrant profiles. However, it cautioned that the data represents estimates and is not fully representative of all migration flows, as it is limited to specific locations and timeframes.

Despite these limitations, the findings point to a dynamic but economically driven migration landscape, with Zimbabwe continuing to serve as a key origin, transit and destination country within the region.