SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi has called on member states to adopt a regional travel model similar to the historic agreement between Namibia and Botswana, where citizens use national identity cards instead of passports for cross-border movement.

Magosi made the appeal during the recent SADC Council of Ministers meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, held under the theme: “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.”

He said the region’s 380 million people, representing about 26% of Africa’s population, are demanding faster regional integration that delivers jobs, food security, energy access and improved livelihoods.

Magosi pointed to the Namibia–Botswana arrangement, signed in 2019 under then presidents Hage Geingob and Mokgweetsi Masisi, as a practical example of how integration can be accelerated by removing barriers to movement.

The agreement allows citizens of both countries to travel using national identity cards for stays of up to 90 days, replacing passports for cross-border movement.

He said the arrangement has eased movement for border communities, boosted trade and strengthened cultural and economic ties between the two countries. Between 2023 and 2025, more than 20 000 travelers reportedly used IDs to cross the border, while trade volumes have nearly doubled.

Magosi noted that intra-SADC trade in manufactured goods has increased modestly from 19% to 22%, reflecting gradual progress in regional market integration.

However, he urged member states to take decisive action to remove trade barriers and deepen cooperation, warning that failure to implement agreed commitments would weaken confidence in the regional agenda. “If integration remains rhetorical, confidence in our common agenda will diminish,” he said, adding that the region has the potential to become a strong force for industrial growth, innovation and sustainable development through value addition and industrialisation. -ohembapu@nepc.com.na