Cabinet has approved the principles of the Zimbabwe Border Management Authority Bill, which is aimed at streamlining how the country’s borders are run.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, 30 September, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said the proposed law will set up a dedicated authority to improve coordination and integration of border management processes across Zimbabwe.
The Bill is expected to tackle inefficiencies caused by the current system, where multiple ministries, departments and agencies are responsible for entry and exit procedures. Said Muswere:
“Cabinet considered and approved the Principles for the Zimbabwe Border Management Authority Bill as presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
“The rationale is to address inefficiencies arising from the existence of a multiplicity of Ministries, Departments and Agencies all working on border entry and exit processes.
“The outcome of the Bill will be the creation of a specialised agency under a centrally co-ordinated authority.”
This initiative will mirror South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA), which became operational in April 2023.
The authority was established to bring greater efficiency and cohesion by integrating border law enforcement across land, air and sea ports of entry.
The South African BMA’s core responsibilities include facilitating the legal movement of people and goods across borders, while at the same time preventing illegal migration, trafficking and smuggling.
It also plays a central role in coordinating the work of various state agencies such as the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Home Affairs.
In addition, the authority is tasked with managing border infrastructure and modernising systems to ensure security, efficiency and compliance with international standards.
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