Namibia, Botswana ponder passport removal

NAMIBIANS and Batswana could soon be using national identity cards to travel between the two countries as both governments consider the removal of passports.

This was revealed in a media statement issued by the Botswana government.

Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi said at the official opening of the 45th Ghanzi agricultural show, which president Hage Geingob attended on Saturday, that he and Geingob had agreed on the issue, and await the two countries’ officials to formalise the matter.

“It was so easy for us to agree that in the not-so-distant future, we are going to eliminate the need for passports for the citizens of Namibia coming to Botswana, and Batswana going to Namibia. All you will need to present is a valid national identity card, then you can go across,” he said.

The recent announcement is one of the possible changes that the home affairs ministry is considering, together with the latest decision to extend the expiry date of Namibian passports to cut costs.

Home affairs minister Frans Kapofi told that the expiry dates of all passports will be extended from five years to 10 years.

Geingob said despite climate change challenges, which have resulted in severe droughts and floods in some instances, it is encouraging to note that Ghanzi farmers have shown resilience to overcome these obstacles, and are making a living by growing their businesses.

This year’s Ghanzi show was held under the theme ‘Sustainable Economic Diversification beyond 50 years Through Green Technology’.

Geingob said the Ghanzi show started small, but over time, has established itself as a premier event.

“Initially, it was merely showcasing agricultural activities. Today, it is an inclusive economic sector spectacle, as evidenced by the various items and activities that are representative of the different sectors of Botswana’s economy,” he stated.

He added that the success of the Ghanzi show has also brought about a number of infrastructural projects in both countries, such as the Trans-Kalahari Highway, which transports people and goods between the two countries.

“We also cooperate in wildlife management through initiatives like the Kalahari Transfrontier Park, and the Kavango, Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area,” Geingob said.

The president noted that industrial shows have several economic spin-offs, which contribute to the development of local economies.

“As is evident here in Ghanzi, the hosting of this show has resulted in the expansion of local infrastructure, particularly accommodation facilities. This is obviously an impressive and welcome development,” he continued.

Geingob also pointed out the two countries’ mutual relationship.

He stated that besides being known for quality cattle, Ghanzi serves as a gateway to Namibia, which hosts many tourists from Botswana, especially those destined for Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

The president observed that it is also a gateway to the Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which are regular destinations for Namibians and tourists from the rest of the world.

Ghanzi is a town situated in the middle of the Kalahari Desert in the western part of Botswana.