On September 26, during the UN General Assembly in New York, the authorities of Botswana announced plans to launch their own citizenship by investment program.
The main goal is to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on diamond exports.
The government has already begun work on the program; however, no launch date has yet been announced.
Detailed terms — such as the required investment amount, eligible assets, processing timelines, and options for including family members — are also not yet known.
About the Country
Botswana is a stable nation in Southern Africa, bordering South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The capital is Gaborone.
According to Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, Botswana holds the highest credit rating in Africa.
The passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 84 countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, Singapore, the Philippines, Macao, Brazil, Ecuador, the Maldives, and several other destinations. The Schengen Area and the UK are not included.
A Growing Sector
If the program is launched in 2025 (although such processes usually take significant time), Botswana will become the third African country to introduce citizenship by investment this year, following Sierra Leone and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Globally, it would be the fourth new passport program of 2025, after Nauru. If Argentina joins, the year will become a record-breaking one for new initiatives.
