Botswana is launching one of the world’s most affordable citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs, positioning its passport as a tool for economic empowerment and long-term growth. The initiative comes as the country seeks to diversify its economy beyond diamonds and attract productive investment, while strengthening Africa’s role in the global investment-migration market.
The Government of Botswana, in partnership with investment-migration firm Arton Capital, signed a memorandum of understanding in September 2025 to establish the Impact Citizenship Programme the country’s first CBI initiative. President Duma Boko described it as a way to “secure the long-term financial future of Botswana, unlocking opportunities for business owners and citizens alike.” The program will channel investments into key sectors such as housing, tourism, renewable energy, mining, and financial services, supporting Botswana’s diversification strategy away from diamonds, which still account for over 80% of export earnings.
Vice-President and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe noted that while diamond revenues have been a strength, the industry also presents vulnerabilities amid competition from lab-grown gems, declining sales, and mining concerns. Botswana’s stability and strong governance, he said, position it to leverage this program as a strategic economic tool.
Since the official registration portal, BotswanaCitizenship.com, launched, 464 people from 77 countries have expressed interest in just one week, reflecting strong investor appetite. Contributions start from $75,000 to $90,000, making Botswana one of the most accessible CBI markets globally. Final legislative details, including due diligence and quotas, are expected before Parliament later this year.
Few African countries have explored citizenship-for-investment programs. Comoros had a now-suspended initiative, São Tomé and Príncipe launched a program in 2025 with a minimum donation of $90,000, and Sierra Leone allows citizenship for diaspora investors. Botswana’s program, experts say, is unique because it stems from economic foresight rather than fiscal necessity. Economist Celestine Mutinda emphasizes that the initiative leverages Botswana’s institutional credibility to attract investment while supporting social and productive sectors.
Botswana’s strong passport, ranked fourth in Africa with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 90 destinations, further enhances the program’s appeal. Mutinda notes that careful legislative design will be crucial, especially given Botswana’s current prohibition on dual citizenship. Public acceptance will require balancing national identity, inclusivity, and economic pragmatism.
Financially, even a modest quota of 500 investors at the minimum contribution could generate $37.5 million in inflows, potentially funding housing, renewable energy, and other development priorities. For context, this would represent more than three percent of Botswana’s 2025 development budget.
Across Africa, investment migration is gaining traction. Mauritius offers a ten-year renewable visa through a $375,000 investment; Egypt provides citizenship via $250,000 donations or $300,000 real estate purchases; Sierra Leone enables diaspora and investor routes, while Cape Verde, Seychelles, and Namibia have launched similar programs. However, many African CBI initiatives are still evolving and have yet to match the global mobility benefits of Caribbean or European passports.
Botswana’s entry into this market signals a strategic, forward-looking approach, aiming to attract productive investment while maintaining governance and stability. If successful, the Impact Citizenship Programme could redefine Africa’s participation in the global investment-migration landscape.