Story by Tichaona Kurewa
TRADE, tourism and regional travel are expected to accelerate significantly after the Victoria Falls Border Post began operating 24 hours a day on Thursday, ending years of restricted night-time movement and congestion.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage confirmed the shift to round-the-clock operations through a Government Gazette, saying the new schedule is intended to ease the movement of goods and travellers while strengthening Zimbabwe’s role as a key regional transport and tourism hub.
The decision is expected to cut delays, reduce transport costs and facilitate smoother cross-border flows, particularly as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continues to expand commercial activity across the continent.
“When the border operates 24 hours, it means we will spend less time here, no more parking at the truck stop for days,” a truck driver said.
Business operators also welcomed the move saying extended hours will speed up trade and improve operational efficiency.
“This will enhance business activities across the border, expediting the movement of goods and people,” a business operator said.
Tourism stakeholders expect a similar boost, noting that 24-hour access will improve flexibility for travellers and strengthen connectivity within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.
“Over the years, we have been limited by the border closing at 10 pm. With this, we have more trading hours,” a cross-border trader said.
“We now have more time to do business, and this will increase our income. We thank the governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia for this gesture,” a SME trader said.
Chief Director of Immigration, Ms Respect Gono, said government is working to synchronise major borders to run continuously in response to growing traffic volumes.
“What has happened is that we are trying to synchronise all border stations to run for 24 hours. You may appreciate that the movement of people and businesses has increased. As a result, we are working to ensure the smooth movement of people across the region. This will assist economic growth, improve efficiency, and support increased business activity across the region,” Ms Gono said.
The operational upgrade of the Victoria Falls border alongside other key ports like Chirundu, Beitbridge and Forbes which already operate 24 hours is in line with government efforts to enhance the ease of doing business.
