Staff reporter

Government has launched a pilot phase of its Online Integrated Border Management System at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, marking a significant step towards modernizing immigration processes.

The system is designed to streamline services, reduce human interaction, and enhance security measures, making the country’s entry points more efficient and secure.

In an interview, Chief Immigration Officer, Ms. Respect Gono, confirmed that the pilot project is progressing smoothly.

"We have installed computers and other accessories for the system. We are left with putting in place E-gates, and the pilot project is going very well.

“The introduction of the Online Integrated Border Management System is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of immigration services at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport," she said.

The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, expressed his satisfaction with the advancements, describing the new system as a game-changer for the country’s immigration services.

"We have been talking about implementing our online border management system and computerizing our systems. The hardware is here, and the outstanding e-gates are in place. The system is in its pilot stage, and I’m impressed with how it’s operational," said Minister Kazembe.

Minister Kazembe highlighted the significance of the project, after witnessing the system’s biometric features in action.

"This initiative is a cornerstone of our Government's broader efforts to digitize and automate immigration procedures across the country. By modernizing our systems, we are not only aiming for faster processing times at our borders but also enhancing security measures to protect the nation. This integrated approach will streamline operations, reduce human error, and ensure that Zimbabwe’s ports of entry are secure, efficient, and ready for the future of global travel,” explained Minister Kazembe.

This development comes at a crucial time, as Zimbabwe prepares to host regional leaders for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit this week. The new system is expected to facilitate smoother arrivals for high-level delegates and will position Zimbabwe as a leader in adopting advanced border management technologies within the region.

As the project progresses, it is expected that the system will be rolled out to other key ports of entry across the country, further enhancing Zimbabwe’s border management capabilities.