By Karabo Marifi
Gaborone, Botswana — Newly elected President Duma Boko has announced plans to legalise undocumented Zimbabwean immigrants currently residing in Botswana.
Boko, who recently took office after a historic victory, stated his intentions to formalise Zimbabwean migrants’ status by issuing temporary work and residence permits. The initiative, he explained, is driven by economic necessity and a desire to integrate Zimbabweans who perform essential but often overlooked jobs in Botswana.
Speaking to the BBC Africa Daily podcast, President Boko said, “A lot of these workers from Zimbabwe perform tasks that the citizen finds unattractive… they do jobs that would otherwise not get done.” The president emphasised that the contributions of Zimbabwean workers are indispensable, particularly in sectors such as construction, domestic work, and farming, where they fill gaps left by Botswana’s labour market.
The decision, while potentially controversial, aligns with Boko’s vision to revive Botswana’s economy and reduce unemployment, which currently stands at nearly 30% for a population of 2.4 million. As one of his first major initiatives in office, this proposal seeks to balance economic growth with social integration, recognising the existing Zimbabwean workforce’s contribution while addressing the challenges they face as undocumented migrants.
Economic and Social Challenges Facing Botswana
Botswana, a nation renowned for its diamond wealth, is grappling with significant economic challenges. Despite being one of Africa’s most stable economies, Botswana has a high unemployment rate, and economic inequality remains a pressing issue. According to recent statistics, unemployment among Botswana’s youth is particularly high, exacerbating the social tension over foreign workers.
In his address, President Boko highlighted the precarious situation for Zimbabweans who cross the long, porous border between Zimbabwe and Botswana, often without legal documentation. “They come in and are undocumented. Then their access to amenities is limited, if it is available at all, and what they then do is they live outside the law and they commit crimes—and this brings resentment,” Boko said. The president believes that formalising their status could mitigate these issues by providing a legal framework for their residence and employment.
The policy, however, is expected to receive mixed reactions. Botswana hosts one of the world’s largest Zimbabwean expatriate communities, second only to South Africa. Zimbabweans have fled their home country for decades due to economic instability, hyperinflation, and political unrest. As a result, the high presence of undocumented Zimbabweans has sometimes caused friction in Botswana, where local communities perceive the influx as a strain on resources.
Legalising Zimbabwean Migrants: A Plan for Economic Inclusion and Skill Transfer
Boko’s proposal includes a temporary work and residence permit programme for undocumented Zimbabweans, which he believes will not only integrate them into Botswana’s economy but also facilitate skill transfer to Batswana citizens. “In any and every construction site in Botswana, the majority of people with those skills are from Zimbabwe, so we need to do a twin programme of allowing them to come in and we utilise the skills that they have,” President Boko stated.
The president noted that allowing Zimbabweans to work legally in Botswana could foster skills development among local citizens, particularly in trades like welding, plumbing, and construction. He believes that these skills are crucial for Botswana’s development but are currently lacking in the local workforce. Boko’s plan envisions a mutually beneficial arrangement where Zimbabweans can contribute to the economy legally and in turn, transfer valuable skills to Botswana’s youth.
“We can’t stop people with skills from coming in when we don’t have the skills ourselves—we need to develop these skills and it takes time, so in the interregnum, we need to have them come in properly, come in legally, and be rewarded appropriately for the skills that they bring,” he explained.
Botswana’s Complex Relationship with Zimbabwean Migrants
The relationship between Botswana and Zimbabwean migrants has been complex. Official statistics indicate that Zimbabweans make up 98% of “irregular migrants” in Botswana. Between 2021 and 2023, Botswana authorities recorded 13,489 irregular migrants, of which 13,189 were Zimbabwean nationals. Every day, police stations across Botswana conduct deportations of undocumented Zimbabweans, many of whom face legal challenges and limited access to essential services.
In December last year, Botswana’s government faced backlash after proposing to allow Zimbabweans to use identity cards instead of passports to cross the border. Critics argued that the move would encourage further migration, potentially overwhelming Botswana’s limited resources. Boko’s latest proposal to legalise undocumented Zimbabweans could be met with similar resistance from those concerned about resource allocation and job competition.
Nonetheless, Boko argues that Zimbabweans are not in direct competition with locals for jobs, as they typically fill roles that many Batswana avoid. “They do jobs that would otherwise not get done and so there’s no conflict there,” he said. The president believes that formalising the status of these workers will reduce crime and social resentment, as undocumented migrants often resort to illicit activities to survive.
Unemployment Crisis and the Push for Economic Reforms
Beyond the issue of migration, President Boko is focused on addressing Botswana’s broader economic challenges. Unemployment remains a critical issue, with almost 30% of the population out of work. Boko referred to this as a “ticking time bomb” and outlined a multi-pronged strategy to create jobs and revitalise the economy.
The president’s economic recovery plan includes signing new agreements with global diamond giant De Beers, which has long been a cornerstone of Botswana’s economy. Boko hopes that by securing favourable terms in diamond sales, Botswana can boost investor confidence and generate additional revenue. This, he believes, will help fund job creation initiatives aimed at reducing the high unemployment rate.
In tandem with his proposal to legalise Zimbabwean workers, Boko has emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship among Botswana’s youth. He aims to foster a culture of self-employment, encouraging young people to start businesses and create jobs for themselves and others. “What they need from government is access to affordable finance and access to markets, and government should facilitate these,” Boko said.
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