By Tarisai Masimba
Namibia and Botswana’s recent decision to abandon the use of passports in favor of government-issued IDs for travel is a significant step towards a more unified Africa. This move sets a positive precedent for other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries to follow suit and embrace similar measures.
The SADC region comprises 16 countries, and a united front could result in significant economic and military benefits for the entire region. A common travel identification system would lead to greater ease of movement between member countries, thereby encouraging trade, tourism, and investment.
The establishment of a SADC Federation would create a superpower that could compete with other global powers. The SADC region is rich in natural resources, with vast reserves of minerals, fertile agricultural land, and a wealth of wildlife that could provide significant economic opportunities for member countries.
A united SADC Federation could leverage these resources and create a strong, self-sustaining economy that is less reliant on external aid and investment. The federation could also pool resources to develop critical infrastructure projects that would enhance intra-regional connectivity, such as transportation networks, telecommunications, and energy grids.
Furthermore, a united SADC Federation would have a stronger military presence, which could serve as a deterrent against external threats. A common defense policy would lead to the establishment of a coordinated military strategy, which could be used to tackle regional security challenges such as terrorism, piracy, and cybercrime.
Finally, Namibia and Botswana’s decision to abandon the use of passports in favor of government-issued IDs for travel is a positive step towards a more united Africa. The SADC region has the potential to become a formidable superpower if member countries work together towards a common goal. A unified SADC Federation would result in significant economic and military benefits that could transform the entire region. It is high time for all SADC countries to embrace similar measures and work towards building a prosperous, secure, and united SADC Federation.
