Harare– A Zimbabwean lawmaker has challenged the government to ease travel restrictions within Southern Africa, urging it to follow the recent example set by Namibia and Zambia by allowing cross-border movement with national identification cards alone.

Epworth North Member of Parliament, Zivai Mhetu pressed the administration on Tuesday during a parliamentary session, questioning if it plans to negotiate similar visa-free agreements with key neighbours, including Botswana, South Africa, Malawi, and Mozambique.

Mhetu pointed to the economic benefits of the European Schengen area as a model, where citizens travel freely between member states using only national identity cards.

“Closer to home, Namibia and Zambia have recently implemented a similar system, removing the need for passports when travelling between their countries,” Mhetu stated, arguing that such measures boost trade and mobility.

Responding on behalf of the government, Lands Minister Anxious Masuka affirmed that regional integration is a priority for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, particularly during his tenure as chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Minister Masuka highlighted ongoing negotiations with Botswana and pointed to the existing UniVisa for the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area as evidence of progress. He outlined a broader vision for the continent, stating the administration’s hope is that “African citizens will eventually be able to travel freely across all 54 countries.”

However, when pressed by Mhetu for a concrete timeline on when such agreements might be realized, the minister did not provide any specific dates, leaving the proposal as a long-term goal without an immediate implementation plan.