Botswana’s New President pushes for legalizing undocumented Zimbabweans to address economic needs

In a move aimed at reshaping Botswana’s economy, newly elected President Duma Boko has announced plans to grant temporary work and residence permits to undocumented Zimbabweans. Addressing Botswana’s pressing labor needs, Boko said that these migrants fill vital roles that locals often avoid, particularly in sectors like agriculture and domestic work.

Botswana, which hosts one of the largest populations of Zimbabweans fleeing economic hardship, regularly enforces deportations. Boko, however, sees formalizing their status as a way to integrate them into the workforce legally, reduce crime, and ease social tensions.

By establishing a structured program, he believes the influx of Zimbabwean skills could help Botswana bridge significant gaps in trades such as welding and plumbing, skills he said are urgently needed but in short supply locally.

With nearly a third of Batswana unemployed, Boko’s strategy doesn’t just address labor shortages—it ties into his larger vision for job creation and economic resilience.

His administration is also preparing to negotiate a renewed diamond agreement with global giant De Beers, a deal he views as essential for economic stability and investor confidence.

Boko’s proposal, though likely to face resistance, reflects his commitment to breaking economic stagnation and fostering a mutually beneficial system that addresses both Botswana’s job market needs and the plight of Zimbabwean migrants.

Source: bbc.com