Zimbabwe has issued over 1.6 million electronic passports since 2022, in a bold push to decentralise documentation services and improve access for citizens both locally and abroad.

New offices are set to open in Hwedza (Zimbabwe), London (UK), and Botswana before the end of the year.

According to Registrar-General Henry Machiri, a total of 1,687,899 e-passports had been issued as of October 10, 2025, through 17 offices established across Zimbabwe and one in Johannesburg, South Africa -- currently the only foreign location offering the service.

"The Government started issuing e-passports in January 2022 and as of October 10 this year, 1,687,899 e-passports have been issued," said Machiri.

The rollout forms part of a broader government initiative to modernise travel documentation and decentralise services.

The upcoming offices in Hwedza, London, and Botswana aim to serve both local communities and Zimbabweans living in the diaspora.

"We will open before year end: Hwedza, London and Botswana," Machiri confirmed.

Currently, e-passports are available in Harare, Bulawayo, Marondera, Murehwa, Chitungwiza, Chinhoyi, Chipinge, Mazowe, Mwenezi, Gwanda, Beitbridge, Lupane, Hwange, Gweru, Gokwe, Zvishavane, and Mutare, which began issuing passports on September 25, 2025.

In an interview with The Herald, Machiri emphasized the importance of extending services to Zimbabweans abroad, noting that Botswana and the United Kingdom are among the countries with the largest Zimbabwean diaspora populations.

The expansion aligns with recommendations from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, which in 2020 urged the government to decentralise the Registrar-General's Office and improve access to documentation through mobile registration exercises and policy reforms under Section 264 of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the government is investing heavily in diplomatic infrastructure to support its engagement and re-engagement agenda.

According to Information Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere, new diplomatic missions are under construction in London, Abuja, and Maputo, with the London facility set to include an e-passport office.

"The construction of the Zimbabwe-Abuja Chancery, Official Residence and Staff Apartments has reached 65 percent of completion," Dr. Muswere said.

He added that "the renovation of the Zimbabwe-Pretoria Staff house is 60 percent complete, while the renovation of the Zimbabwe-Cape Town Chancery is at 50 percent.

"The construction of the Zimbabwe-London Official Residence is ongoing, and electrical installations at the Zimbabwe-Beira Chancery are also underway."

Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube announced that ZiG $4 billion has been allocated in the 2025 National Budget to support these projects, which also include plans to establish a new office in New York, USA.

The e-passport programme and diplomatic expansion reflect Zimbabwe's commitment to improving service delivery, enhancing its global presence, and ensuring that citizens -- both at home and abroad have seamless access to essential documentation.

Govt Hits 1.6 Million E-Passports, Expands Access With Diaspora-Focused Offices - AfroGazette