Zimbabwe Announces E-Passport Service For Citizens In Botswana

Zimbabweans living in Botswana will soon be able to get their new passports in just seven days without ever having to return home. This passport boost for the Botswana diaspora was confirmed by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga during a major meeting with business leaders in Gaborone. The exciting announcement is part of a broader government initiative to enhance services for its citizens abroad and leverage the economic potential of the diaspora.

Major Changes Coming In 2026

During the engagement, Vice President Chiwenga laid out a clear timeline for the new service. He confirmed that the e-passport system will be installed at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Gaborone in the first quarter of 2026. This move is expected to significantly reduce the long waiting times that have previously frustrated many applicants.

The Vice President provided a direct quote to the community, stating:

“I am glad to inform you that the government will install the E‑Passport System here at the Embassy in the first quarter of next year. This will mean that, as long as your documents are in order, you will now be able to apply for and collect your passports within seven working days.”

In addition to the passport service, plans are advancing to ease travel between the two nations. Chiwenga revealed that the governments of Zimbabwe and Botswana are collaborating on a long-term project to transform the Plumtree Border Post into a one-stop facility. As an immediate step, he announced that efforts are being made to extend the operating hours at the border to improve efficiency for travellers.

Diaspora’s Vital Economic Role Highlighted

The meeting heavily emphasised the crucial economic contributions of Zimbabweans living outside the country. The Vice President cited recent figures, revealing that diaspora remittances reached a staggering US$1.9 billion (approx. R34.2 billion) in the first nine months of 2024 alone. This marked a significant 16.5 percent increase from the US$1.6 billion (approx. R28.8 billion) recorded in the same period in 2023.

Chiwenga directly encouraged the business leaders in Botswana to channel their wealth and skills back into Zimbabwe. He urged them to invest in key sectors like agriculture, mining, and tourism.

“We encourage you to form consortia aimed at investing in agriculture, mining, infrastructure, tourism, and real estate in line with your skill set and in recognition of the enabling environment the government has created in those sectors,” he noted.

He also assured the community that the government is working with Botswana authorities through the Bi-National Commission to address challenges Zimbabweans face with permits.

Business Community Reacts With Optimism

The announcements were met with a positive reception from the executives who attended the meeting. They described the session as lengthy, detailed, and constructive.

Botswana Tourism and Hospitality Executive, Sihle Thabani Mpofu, was quoted saying:

“It was highly engaging and very promising. We really look forward to the follow-through. It is great to have these kinds of forums. I honestly did not think it would last this long, but we were here for quite a long time, which shows there was a lot to be said and a lot to be answered. From here on, it is about action.”

Echoing this sentiment, Botswana Civil Engineering Consultant, Ignatius Gangaidzo, added:

“The commitment is really substantial. Surely, there are challenges here and there, like in any other country; that is understandable. I think all we need is to ensure that the issue of confidence is established.”

The government’s ongoing diaspora engagement and service reforms signal a continued focus on citizens abroad as key partners in national development.