The governments of the Republics of Botswana and Namibia today signed a Memorandum of Agreement to allow for the use of National Identity Cards (Omang) as travel documents between the two countries.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, His Excellency President of Botswana Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi said the use of national identity documents to cross national borders is a clear demonstration of the two countries’ steadfast commitment to promote relations and foster social cohesion among the citizens, as well as enhance regional cooperation and integration.
He added that the initiative is aimed at easing the movement of both citizens and strengthen trade between the two countries.
President Masisi encouraged the two countries to harness the benefits of the advanced technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution to modernise Information Technology (IT) systems to efficiently support their communities. He stated that the new technologies have shaped, and will continue to transform, the way to live, communicate, work, interact, and do business.
President Masisi revealed that the Government of Botswana has also embarked on a process to transform its National Identity Card (Omang) to an electronic Identity Card. He said the use of National Identity cards will be rolled-out at other border posts shared with the Republic of Namibia namely Ngoma, Mohembo, and Kasane Immigration Office.
For his part , the President of Namibia His Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob said it was critical to facilitate effective and uncomplicated means of travel between the communities of the two countries, as the communities both sides speak the same language and share a common culture.
President Geingob added that Botswana and Namibia are trendsetters because the initiative is the first of its kind in the African continent and a good step toward the realization of the SADC Protocol on facilitation of movements of persons. He encouraged the citizens of both countries to cooperate with the officials at the borders to ensure the success of the project.
