A bilateral agreement between Zimbabwe and Botswana has been made to remove the passport requirements for citizens of both countries, ushering in a new era of unfettered travel between them.
The announcement fits into a larger pattern on the African continent, where nations are gradually lowering barriers to entry for their own citizens.
Speaking about the project, President Emmerson of Zimbabwe said, “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 emphasised the colonial roots of these limitations and declared his agreement with President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana to remove obstacles to unrestricted travel.
This action is in line with the increasing trend of African travel without a visa. Visa-free travel for Africans is already available to visitors to Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin; Rwanda recently joined this group. The pattern highlights a more in-depth discussion about the possibilities for connectivity and integration throughout the continent.
President William Ruto of Kenya has set a lofty goal to do away with visa requirements for all visitors from Africa by the end of 2023. He has highlighted the potential trade and economic advantages of this policy change.
Notably, reciprocal visa waiver agreements have been reached by several African countries, including Botswana and Namibia, South Africa and Ghana, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These agreements facilitate travel and promote regional cooperation.
