• Bostwana, Namibia launches usage of national ID cards for cross border travel.

• The launching ceremony took place at Mamuno Border Post in Gaborone.

• Both countries shares a land border and similarities in culture and language.

On Friday, the governments of Botswana and Namibia introduced the usage of National identity cards as documents for cross travel between the two countries.

This was announced during the launching ceremony held at Mamuno Border Post, Southwest of Gaborone the capital of Botswana, with the President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi and the president of Namibia Hage Geingob in attendance.

President Masisi stated that “the authorization of the use of national identity documents to cross our national borders is a clear demonstration of our steadfast commitment to promote relations between our countries and foster social cohesion among our citizens, as well as enhance regional cooperation and integration”.

He added that it was found necessary to start this remarkable initiative aimed at easing the movement of citizens of the two neighbouring countries.

According to President Geingob, it makes perfect sense to facilitate efficient and straightforward ways of movement between the two communities, as both countries share a land border and have similarities in both language and culture.

He continued by saying, “let us celebrate this moment in history, a moment which defines our kinship and friendship, a moment that brings friends and relatives closer to one another”.

Masisi also noted that the Mamuno Border Post is a vital location with great value and significant prospects for tourism in the two countries, adding that the movement will be implemented at other border crossings between the two nations within the upcoming fiscal year – 2023/2024.

Both countries are said to have friendly bilateral relations and similarities in culture, history, and family ties.