Namibia and Botswana have recently simplified their mutual border controls, aligning their systems and documents with the help of Veridos' solutions.Citizens of the two African nations no longer need to use their passports to cross the border, instead requiring only their ID cards. A QR code and a machine-readable zone were added to Namibia's ID cards, while Botswana's border control system was adapted to read these ID cards. According to Veridos, the undertaking was not especially complex from a technological point of view, but the consequences for both sides are significant.
Modern border control systems represent a pivotal and strategic investment in the future of nations
The mutual recognition of ID cards by Namibia and Botswana has the potential to act as a role model and initiate similar agreements between other countries, Veridos said. This is because the parties involved can benefit in many ways from the simplification of border control, primarily through boosts to trade and commerce, tourism and gastronomy, and culture and science, the German firm said.
“Smoother border controls promote the economy and culture of the countries involved,” said Marc-Julian Siewert, CEO of Veridos. "That's why we are committed to making travel easier and safer with our technologies and expertise. Modern border control systems represent a pivotal and strategic investment in the future of nations across the globe, safeguarding sovereignty, security, and efficient exchange in the face of global challenges.”
Image: Veridos
