Southern African Development Community (SADC) members should emulate Namibia and Botswana in allowing free movement of people in the region.

This call comes after Namibia and Botswana sealed a historic accord on free movement of people in 2023 under the SADC Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons Treaty.

Addressing a recent SADC Council of Ministers in Gaborone, the 16-member regional bloc's Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, said what Namibia and Botswana implemented three years ago is a step in the right direction that should be emulated by others.

Magosi said allowing the free movement of people, goods and services between states in the region is essential for boosting trade and offering greater access to job opportunities.

"Breaking down barriers, making it easier for small‑scale traders, who account for up to 60% of cross‑border commerce, to thrive. These traders are not a mere statistic; they are mothers, fathers, and young entrepreneurs whose livelihoods depend on seamless and painless trade. When they succeed, this builds into our collective success."

By encouraging greater integration through free movement, Magosi said SADC can help to address poverty and inequality by providing greater economic and social mobility to its citizens.