Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Africa.
President Boko’s Plan to Integrate Zimbabweans and Boost the Economy
Botswana to Grant Legal Status to Undocumented Zimbabweans, Says New President
Botswana's newly inaugurated President Duma Boko has announced plans to legalize undocumented Zimbabweans in the country by issuing temporary work and residence permits. Boko, who recently unseated Botswana’s ruling party after nearly six decades, stated that this initiative is a crucial step in his broader economic reform strategy. The policy is intended to formalize the status of Zimbabweans who often perform essential but low-wage jobs in Botswana, helping to fill labor gaps in fields like agriculture and domestic work.
“We need a structured approach that acknowledges the significant contributions of Zimbabweans who are already here,” Boko said. He described the long, porous border between Botswana and Zimbabwe as a challenge, with thousands of undocumented Zimbabweans crossing to seek better economic opportunities.
Addressing the Workforce and Skills Shortages
Botswana hosts one of the largest populations of Zimbabweans abroad, many of whom are “irregular migrants” facing deportation due to lack of proper documentation. According to recent government statistics, nearly 98% of documented "irregular migrants" in Botswana are Zimbabwean nationals. The proposed policy seeks to grant these individuals legal work status, addressing both local labor shortages and the need for skilled trades, especially in sectors like construction, where Zimbabweans often provide skills in trades such as welding and plumbing.
“A lot of these workers perform tasks that citizens find unappealing, and this is critical to Botswana’s functioning,” Boko explained. He noted that the plan would encourage a transfer of skills from Zimbabwean workers to local citizens, promoting a collaborative workforce model.
Overcoming Resistance and Public Concerns
Despite the benefits outlined, the policy may face public opposition, as prior initiatives to facilitate movement between Botswana and Zimbabwe have sparked backlash. A recent proposal to allow travel using national identity cards instead of passports was met with concerns that it could increase the influx of Zimbabweans.
In response, Boko argued that structured migration is essential for sustainable development, and that Botswana’s workforce would ultimately benefit from skills shared by experienced Zimbabwean workers. “We need these skills to address our labor gaps while working on skill development locally,” he emphasized.
Economic Revival Through Job Creation and Diamond Industry Deals
Beyond addressing migration issues, Boko’s primary focus is reviving Botswana’s economy, which faces high unemployment. His administration aims to generate 100,000 jobs annually, largely through a blend of skill-sharing initiatives and direct government support for youth entrepreneurship. “The government must provide young people with access to affordable finance and markets to encourage self-employment,” he said.
In addition, Boko plans to finalize new agreements with global diamond giant De Beers, aiming to boost investor confidence and maintain Botswana’s reputation as a stable investment hub. “With secure diamond revenues, we can attract more investors to create jobs and spur economic growth,” Boko explained.
Boko’s inauguration, held at the national stadium in Gaborone and marked as a public holiday, is seen as a new chapter for Botswana’s government and economic future. International dignitaries and supporters were in attendance, celebrating the potential shift toward economic inclusion and growth through his proposed policies.
