Countries are offering golden passports or golden visas as one of the strategic ways to attract investments from immigrants and investors in exchange for granting either residence (Residence by Investment) or citizenship rights (Citizenship by Investment).
African countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Sao Time and Principe, and so on adopted this new trend as they competed to create sustainable development across all sectors of their economies.
Botswana is the latest African country to allow travelers to make the nation their permanent home through its Citizen by Investment Program (CIP) set to launch in early 2026. The government is working with global citizenship firm Arton Capital to launch its CIP, also known as a “golden passport”.
Under the program, high-net-worth individuals can basically buy a Botswanan passport—for a minimum contribution of $75,000. Adding family members to their applications will incur additional fees. A spouse or child under 18 will incur another $10,000 per person, while adding an adult dependent will cost $5,000, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
READ ALSO: Here are 4 African countries that offer Golden Visas
The government will use funds raised from the program to support its local housing market, luxury tourism, renewable energy, mining, financial industries, and other national goals.
The program comes as Botswana looks to continue the diversification of its economy away from the diamond trade. Its economy has been negatively affected by a persistent drop in diamond prices of approximately 30% since 2022, per this report.
The CIP will seek to attract both foreign capital and international talent to build a sustainable future for the nation, according to a statement by Arton Capital.
Duma Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana, said: “This programme will enable us to continue to secure the long-term financial future of Botswana, unlocking opportunities for business owners and Batswana throughout our nation. This initiative represents an exciting opportunity for those who wish to be at the forefront of the future of global mobility. Botswana stands ready to welcome a host of affluent, talented global citizens who see the benefit of African citizenship, and the exceptional potential we can realise together.”
Botswana’s “golden passport” program will operate under a limited quota system, with applications being accepted through an official registration portal built by Arton Capital.
Botswana’s program is the world’s most affordable option for open citizenship by investment, less than São Tomé and Príncipe’s $90,000 minimum, as reported by Travel Noire.
