GABORONE, Botswana — In a move to diversify its diamond-reliant economy, Botswana has unveiled a citizenship-by-investment program aimed at attracting wealthy foreigners and boosting sectors like tourism, technology, and renewable energy.
President Duma Boko announced the initiative during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, framing it as a cornerstone of the country’s Vision 2036 strategy to secure long-term economic stability.
About The Program
The program, set to be detailed in the coming months, offers citizenship to high-net-worth individuals who either invest at least $1 million in approved projects or contribute $750,000 to a national development fund.
With global diamond markets in a prolonged slump, Botswana’s budget has faced mounting pressure, prompting the government to seek new revenue streams. Officials project the initiative could attract $500 million in foreign investment within five years.
“This program will enable us to continue to secure the long-term financial future of Botswana,” President Boko said, emphasizing the initiative’s focus on sustainable development.
The government has partnered with Arton Capital, a global advisory firm, which signed an exclusive memorandum of understanding to design and implement the program.
A Diamond Powerhouse Seeks New Horizons
Botswana, the world’s largest producer of diamonds by value, has long relied on the gemstone industry, which accounts for over 80 percent of its export earnings. The country’s per capita income ranks it as Africa’s fourth-richest nation, and the World Bank classifies it as an upper-middle-income economy.
Yet, this dependence on diamonds has left Botswana vulnerable to market fluctuations, spurring efforts to diversify.
The Botswana Investment and Trade Centre will play a pivotal role in channeling foreign direct investment into priority sectors.
The new citizenship program aligns with these efforts, offering investors a stable political and economic climate in a region often marked by volatility.
English, the country’s official language, further enhances its appeal to global investors.
Applicants will face rigorous due diligence to ensure transparency and integrity, a move designed to address concerns about similar programs elsewhere that have faced scrutiny over lax oversight.
A Passport with Growing Appeal
The Botswana passport, ranked 61st globally for travel freedom in 2025, grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 84 countries, including Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea.
The citizenship program is also expected to lift Botswana’s longstanding restrictions on dual citizenship.
Currently, citizens who hold foreign nationality must renounce it by age 21 or risk losing their Botswana citizenship, along with access to the national identity card and passport. The proposed changes aim to make the program more attractive to global investors.
This article was edited with AI and reviewed by human editors
