Khaberni - In a move that echoed across Africa, the Botswana government launched the «Citizenship Through Investment» program which allows foreign investors to obtain Botswanan citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution starting from $75,000.
The program, which officially started at the beginning of 2026, aims to diversify the Botswanan economy away from an excessive reliance on diamond exports, which account for about a third of the Gross Domestic Product and have been declining in recent years.
According to official data, applicants must make a government contribution of between $75,000 and $90,000, in addition to the fees for security screenings and audits, bringing the total amount sometimes to $90,000 or more depending on the family size. The system operates with limited quotas, with registration opening after the final legislation is approved.
During the first week of the initial registration phase, the government platform showed significant interest, registering 464 expressions of interest from 77 countries, led by India, South Africa, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, with plans to apply along with family members, reflecting the program's appeal to investors looking for long-term settlement opportunities.
The program represents a historic shift in Botswana's citizenship policy, as it allows foreign nationals to retain their original nationalities alongside the new one, after years of strict restrictions on multiple citizenships.
With this, Botswana joins a list of other African countries such as Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe, which offer similar programs to attract foreign capital and enhance strategic sectors, with other countries like Mauritius, Namibia, Kenya, and Uganda considering launching similar programs.
