In December 2024, Zimbabwe documented 49,220 migrant movements, with a notable rise of 67% from November. Most migrants were Zimbabwean nationals, engaging primarily in trade. The South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor was the busiest, and Matabeleland South recorded the highest outflows.
During December 2024, a total of 49,220 movements were recorded in Zimbabwe through 22 Flow Monitoring Points (FMPs), with 1,102 migrants interviewed, comprising 52% females and 48% males. A significant majority, 89%, identified as Zimbabwean nationals, and 6% as Zambians, primarily traveling for trade, particularly in clothing. This period experienced a substantial increase in movements, up by 67% compared to November, largely prompted by festive activities in December.
Inflows constituted 74% of the movements, while outflows made up 26%. The leading districts for outgoing traffic included Beitbridge (62%), Harare (14%), and Chiredzi (6%). In contrast, the main inflow districts were Harare (31%), Bulawayo (24%), and Beitbridge (12%). Matabeleland South province experienced the highest outflows at 65%, while Harare recorded the most inflows at 32%, with Matabeleland migrants predominantly heading to various locations in South Africa, including Limpopo (62%). 58% of arrivals in Harare were from Gauteng, and 11% from Lusaka.
The South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor was the busiest, accounting for 46,204 movements, followed by the Zambia-Zimbabwe corridor at 3,016 movements. Migrants using the South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor mainly engaged in short-term (54%) and long-term economic (15%) movements. For the Zambia-Zimbabwe corridor, 59% of movements were short-term, and 25% were long-term economic. Additionally, the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration Control reported 322,931 entries and 185,814 exits at Beitbridge, along with 19,886 entries and 4,254 exits at Chirundu.
The Flow Monitoring Report for December 2024 indicates a robust increase in migrant movements in Zimbabwe, particularly influenced by seasonal festivities. A significant number of migrants are involved in short-term and long-term economic activities, predominantly between Zimbabwe and South Africa. The data highlights the importance of these border corridors for trade and mobility in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
