The newly elected President of Botswana, Duma Boko, recently announced his intention to grant temporary work and residence permits to undocumented Zimbabweans in Botswana. As mentioned in BBC Africa Daily, Boko envisions this move as a way to manage the high numbers of Zimbabwean migrants more effectively while also addressing some of Botswana’s labor needs.
Botswana has a significant population of Zimbabweans who fled economic hardship and political unrest in their home country. As the world’s second-largest host to Zimbabweans, Botswana sees thousands of migrants arrive daily, most of whom cross the porous border without proper documentation. This influx has led to regular deportations and a tense relationship between migrants and local communities, which Boko aims to ease by formalizing their status. According to available government data, Zimbabweans make up 98% of Botswana’s “irregular migrants.” Many work in lower-paid roles, such as domestic or agricultural labor, jobs that locals tend to avoid. Boko emphasized that these workers often perform essential tasks, reducing any potential competition for jobs with locals.
While this decision is controversial, it forms part of Boko’s broader plan to revive the economy, address unemployment, and foster skills development. He suggests that granting work permits to Zimbabweans could also provide an opportunity for skills transfer to locals in areas such as plumbing, welding, and construction, where skilled workers are in demand. Botswana’s construction sector, for instance, relies heavily on skilled labor from Zimbabwe, creating a potential for collaboration and mutual benefit.
Boko, a human rights lawyer who founded the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) party, intends to break down barriers between government officials and citizens, encouraging open communication and interaction. His commitment to accessibility aligns with his pledge to improve Botswana’s economy by increasing job opportunities, with a goal of creating 100,000 new jobs annually over the next five years.
In his initial steps as president, Boko plans to negotiate a new agreement with global diamond giant De Beers, a deal he believes was jeopardized by his predecessor’s handling. He argues that a secure diamond revenue stream could reassure investors, bringing essential funding into the country to support his economic goals, including job creation and skills development.
Boko’s initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to addressing unemployment, estimated at nearly 30% in a population of 2.4 million, which he describes as a “ticking time bomb.” Alongside his focus on skills transfer and job creation, he wants to encourage entrepreneurship, particularly among young people. He advocates for government support in the form of accessible financing and market opportunities to enable youth-led businesses to thrive.
