Story by Tichaona Kurewa
AFRICAN countries have been urged to integrate their Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems to improve cross-border verification, strengthen security and facilitate seamless travel across the continent.
The call was made at the opening of the Annual Expert Group Meeting for African Registrars General and the Board of the Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in Victoria Falls on Friday.
Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe said technological advances present an opportunity for African countries to develop interoperable civil registration systems while safeguarding national sovereignty.
“The borders have collapsed due to technology. Why shouldn’t the systems talk to each other? Why shouldn’t the system in Zimbabwe communicate with the system in Burundi? When someone presents a passport, the systems… should be able to verify in real time that the passport is authentic. We should move towards interoperability between governments. But for that to happen, we must first ensure interoperability within our own institutions,” he said.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) urged governments to prioritise funding for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics programmes, describing them as a public good that should be financed by the state.
UNECA representative, Dr William Muhwava said governments must take greater responsibility for sustaining the systems.
“Adequate financing is crucial. It is not the role of development partners to buy stationery or forms for district offices. That responsibility lies with governments because a public good should be publicly financed,” he said.
Hosting the meeting is also expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a preferred destination for international conferences.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Richard Moyo, said the event reflects the confidence African countries continue to place in Zimbabwe.
“Hosting this important gathering is both a privilege and a source of pride for us. It demonstrates the confidence that the African community continues to place in Zimbabwe as a trusted partner and an active participant in advancing continental development initiatives,” he said.
The week-long meeting has brought together Registrars General, senior government officials, development partners and civil registration experts to chart the next phase of Africa’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics systems.
