Botswana, the largest diamond producer in Africa, has unveiled a new golden passport initiative that will grant citizenship to foreign investors who commit at least $75,000.
Scheduled to officially open in early 2026, the programme is designed to reduce the country’s reliance on diamond revenues by drawing international investment into areas including real estate, tourism, mining, and renewable energy.
The Financial Times reports that initial demand has been robust, with prospective applicants from the United States, Zimbabwe, and India topping early registrations.
The programme seeks to broaden Botswana’s economic base beyond its strong dependence on diamond exports, which make up about a third of GDP and have fallen in recent years.
This year, Botswana’s budget has been under pressure due to a sustained slump in the global diamond market, despite the country remaining the world’s top diamond producer by value.
“This programme will enable us to continue to secure the long-term financial future of Botswana,” President Boko said in a statement.
Under the programme, applicants are required to contribute between $75,000 and $90,000 to the government, with total expenses, including due diligence and other fees, likely reaching around $90,000 or slightly higher, depending on family size, Business Insider Africa reports.
The scheme is expected to run on a quota basis, with a limited number of spots available once the legislation is finalised and formal applications open in early 2026.
Early interest has been robust. During the first week of pre-launch registrations, the portal received 464 expressions of interest from 77 countries, with the largest numbers coming from India, the United States, South Africa, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.
Many applicants intend to apply with their families, underscoring the programme’s attractiveness to global investors.
Unlike conventional residency-by-investment schemes, Botswana’s citizenship-by-investment programme permits dual citizenship, a significant policy change for a country that has traditionally limited multiple nationalities.
Botswana becomes part of a rising number of African countries offering citizenship or residency in exchange for investment, joining the ranks of Egypt, Sierra Leone, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
These countries already run active citizenship-by-investment programmes, with required contributions ranging from $90,000 to $250,000.
Other countries such as Mauritius, Namibia, Kenya, and Uganda are considering or planning similar programmes to draw foreign investment, diversify their economies, and bolster key sectors.
Supporters of the initiative say it will channel funds into housing, tourism, renewable energy, mining, and financial services, helping to advance Botswana’s long-term economic diversification goals.