Zimbabwe Leads the Way in Border Automation: Lessons for Other Countries and Implications for the Travel Industry

Zimbabwe is making significant strides in modernizing its border management system with the implementation of a fully digitalized border management system in 2024. This initiative, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, aims to enhance security, efficiency, and transparency in cross-border trade and travel. The system is now fully installed and operational at Harare’s Robert Mugabe International Airport. Kazembe reviewed the system’s progress and spoke to the media, as reported by Bulawayo News24.”

Benefits of Automated Borders

Automating borders offers several significant benefits:

Increased Efficiency: Automated systems can process travelers and goods much faster than manual checks, reducing wait times and congestion at border points.

Enhanced Security: Using biometric data and electronic passports helps in accurately identifying individuals, reducing the risk of fraud and illegal activities.

Cost Savings: Automation reduces the need for extensive manpower, leading to cost savings for border management authorities.

Improved Trade Facilitation: Systems like the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZESW) streamline the submission and processing of trade documents, making cross-border trade more efficient and less costly.

Data Accuracy and Management: Automated systems ensure that data is accurately captured and easily retrievable, aiding in better decision-making and resource allocation.

Traveler Convenience: Automated immigration processes, such as e-gates, provide a smoother and quicker experience for travelers, enhancing overall satisfaction.

Transparency and Accountability: Digital systems provide a clear audit trail, reducing opportunities for corruption and ensuring that processes are transparent and accountable.

Lessons for Other Countries

Other countries can learn from Zimbabwe’s approach to border automation by considering the following key aspects:

Collaborate with International Organizations: Zimbabwe’s partnership with the World Bank and the African Development Bank provided crucial support and funding. Other countries can seek similar collaborations to leverage expertise and financial resources.

Adopt Proven Technologies: Zimbabwe’s use of biometric data, electronic passports, and scanners, modeled after successful systems like Dubai’s Smart Gates, shows the importance of adopting proven technologies. Countries can study and implement best practices from successful models globally.

Implement Comprehensive Systems: The Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZESW) and the Online Border Management System (OBMS) are examples of comprehensive solutions that streamline processes. Other countries can develop integrated systems to handle various aspects of border management efficiently.

Pilot Programs: Starting with pilot programs at key locations, as Zimbabwe did with the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and the Beitbridge Border Post, allows for testing and refining systems before full-scale implementation.

Focus on Training and Capacity Building: Ensuring that staff are well-trained to manage and operate new technologies is crucial. Zimbabwe’s approach likely included significant training and capacity-building efforts, which other countries should also prioritize.

Engage Stakeholders: Involving all relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and the public, helps in gaining support and ensuring smooth implementation.

Monitor and Evaluate: Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the systems in place help in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that the objectives of automation are being met.

Impact on Zimbabwe’s Travel Industry

The automation of borders in Zimbabwe is expected to have a profound impact on the travel industry. By reducing wait times and enhancing security, the new systems will make Zimbabwe a more attractive destination for international travelers. 

This is particularly significant as Zimbabwe’s tourism industry has already surpassed the US$5 billion revenue target set for 2025. The improvements in border management will likely contribute to further growth in tourism, which is a key sector of the country’s economy.

Moreover, the enhanced efficiency and transparency brought about by automation will improve the overall travel experience, encouraging more tourists to visit Zimbabwe’s natural attractions, such as Victoria Falls and its diverse wildlife reserves. This, in turn, will generate more revenue and create jobs, further boosting the economy.

Zimbabwe’s move towards automated borders sets a valuable example for other countries looking to modernize their border management systems. The benefits of increased efficiency, security, and convenience, coupled with the positive impact on the travel industry, highlight the importance of embracing digital transformation in border management.