Published: 4 hours ago

Zimbabweans living in Botswana will be able to apply for and collect new passports within seven working days at the country's Gaborone Embassy starting in the first quarter of 2026, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has announced.

The move is part of a broader effort to improve services for Zimbabwe's diaspora and facilitate cross-border business. Plans are also underway to implement a 24-hour service at the Plumtree Border Post, alongside a one-stop border post aimed at easing trade and travel between the two countries.

Addressing the Zimbabwean business community in Gaborone over the weekend, VP Chiwenga highlighted the diaspora's significant contribution to remittances, noting that Botswana ranks as the fifth largest source of remittances to Zimbabwe, contributing US$54 million last year.

"Delays at the Plumtree/Ramokgwebana Border are being addressed through collaboration with the Government of Botswana to transform it into a One-Stop Border Post," VP Chiwenga said. "In the interim, we are working to extend operating hours and improve efficiency."

The e-passport system, already successfully rolled out in Johannesburg, will allow Zimbabweans in Botswana to obtain passports without travelling back home, provided all documentation is in order.

VP Chiwenga encouraged the diaspora to invest back home, citing opportunities across sectors such as agriculture, mining, infrastructure, tourism, and real estate. He emphasised that Zimbabwe is creating an enabling environment by reducing bureaucracy, cutting prohibitive fees, engaging with international partners, and combating corruption.

"Zimbabwe remains open for business for its nationals based abroad. Our mantra is that ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo / Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo'," he said, urging the diaspora to leverage their skills for value addition and beneficiation in Zimbabwe.

The Vice President also assured that the government is working closely with Botswana through the Bi-National Commission platform to address challenges in obtaining and renewing permits, as well as repatriating profits.

Attendees at the engagement expressed optimism. Ms Patience Mpofu described the session as "highly engaging and very promising," while Engineer Owen Gangaidzo praised the substantial government commitment to supporting the diaspora.
- The Herald

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