Botswana is preparing to enter the global investment migration arena with an ambitious Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, promising a swift 60-day processing timeline for applicants. The initiative, expected to launch in early 2026, is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and strategic investors who can contribute to the country’s economic diversification goals. By offering expedited citizenship in exchange for substantial investment, Botswana aims to boost foreign direct investment across key sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, and technology. However, the success of this program hinges on a critical legal shift: the recognition of dual citizenship.
Historically, Botswana maintained a strict stance against dual nationality, requiring citizens to renounce any foreign citizenship upon reaching adulthood. This policy posed a significant obstacle to launching a competitive CBI program, as most global investors prefer to retain their original citizenship while acquiring new ones. Recognizing this challenge, the government initiated a series of legal reforms, culminating in a landmark High Court ruling in 2022 and amendments to the National Registration Act in August 2024. These changes now permit Batswana to hold dual citizenship under specific conditions, eliminating the requirement to renounce foreign nationality at age 21 and safeguarding citizenship for those who acquire another nationality through marriage or formal application.
With the legal framework now aligned to support dual citizenship, Botswana is poised to operationalize its CBI program. The government has emphasized that the 60-day processing timeline will be underpinned by rigorous due diligence protocols and advanced digital infrastructure to ensure transparency, security, and efficiency. The Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs has reiterated its commitment to maintaining national integrity while welcoming qualified investors who align with Botswana’s development priorities. This balance between openness and oversight is seen as essential to preserving public trust and the country’s reputation for stability.
As Botswana prepares to launch its CBI program, it joins a growing cohort of African nations exploring investment-based citizenship and residency options. If implemented effectively, the initiative could position Botswana as a regional hub for innovation, capital inflow, and global connectivity. The combination of legal reform, economic ambition, and streamlined processing marks a pivotal moment in the country’s evolution, signaling its readiness to compete on the world stage while remaining anchored in its values of transparency and national pride.