Botswana has made a significant move by outlining plans for its first-ever Citizenship by Investment program called the Botswana Impact Citizenship program. The initiative forms part of the country’s efforts to attract investment into key sectors and reduce reliance on diamonds.
To bring the Botswana Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program to life, the government has signed an exclusive agreement to design the structure and prepare its launch.
A pre-registration platform is already live for those who want to express early interest. The full application process is expected to open in early 2026, once the legal framework and regulations are finalized. For now, only pre-registration is available, and the official application steps have not yet been published.
This article will explain all the available information about the Botswana Citizenship by Investment Program. Here’s what to expect:
What’s the Botswana Citizenship by Investment Program?
The Botswana Impact Citizenship Program is a new initiative designed to attract international investment and support the country’s long-term development. The government has signed a legal agreement to design and prepare the program.
Successful applicants are expected to receive Botswana citizenship, as confirmed through an official Certificate of Citizenship issued in accordance with national law. However, the eligibility criteria have not yet been published. Citizens will also receive a Botswana passport, but specific documents and certificates required under the CBI program have not yet been published.
| What We Know | What must be confirmed |
|---|---|
| Applications are expected to open in early 2026. | The processing timelines for applications. |
| The required investment contribution is $75,000 to $90,000. | The full fee schedule for applicants and dependents. |
| The program is called the Impact Investment Program. | Any residency or language requirements, if applicable. |
| Funds from the program will support projects beyond Botswana’s diamond industry. | Whether the contribution is a straight donation or if other investment options exist. |
| Eligibility details for dependents, including spouse, children, and parents. |
How much does Botswana citizenship by investment cost?
The Botswana Impact Citizenship Program is based on one main option: a sovereign financial contribution. Current official information shows that the required contribution for the main applicant will range between USD 75,000 to 90,000.
There are no other investment routes at this time. This means no real estate, funds, or business options have been announced.
Family member pricing
- USD 10,000 for a spouse
- USD 10,000 for each child under 18
- USD 5,000 for each adult dependent
A fixed contribution package for a family of four has not been released yet. The final family pricing will be confirmed once the program regulations are published.
Botswana Citizenship by Investment Benefits
Botswana’s passport provides good travel access, though it is not among the world’s most powerful. But within Africa, it is considered one of the best and ranks in the top four, just behind South Africa.
Botswana Passport Rankings - Freedom of movement and global mobility: Citizens are expected to receive a passport. The Botswana Golden Passport is an attractive option and ranks 155th on the Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions. It allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to about 84 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, and other regional destinations.
- Healthcare access: Citizens can use both public and private healthcare. Public services are available and low-cost, while private clinics provide faster care at prices far lower than those in Western countries.
- Education access: Successful applicants can access Botswana’s public school system, which offers free or low-cost primary and secondary education. Local universities, such as the University of Botswana, offer affordable tuition for citizens, and most programs are taught in English.
- Work and business opportunities: Passport holders can live, work, start a business, and invest freely in Botswana. The country is renowned for its business-friendly environment, particularly in sectors such as tourism, mining, renewable energy, agriculture, and finance.
- Family and generational benefits: Botswana citizenship is hereditary. Children of citizens, biological or adopted, can obtain citizenship, which will help families secure long-term generational continuity.
- Political stability, safety, and strong democratic governance: Botswana is one of Africa’s safest and most politically stable countries, with a long-standing democratic system, low levels of corruption, strong rule of law, and well-established institutions that provide a predictable and secure environment for investors.
- English as an official language: This facilitates ease of integration, making business, administration, and daily life more accessible to investors.
- Stable economy: Botswana has a well-established, resource-driven economy with solid growth fundamentals.
Citizenship by Investment Trends in Africa
Citizenship by Investment is rapidly gaining momentum in Africa, opening new doors for global mobility and investment. As Botswana prepares to launch its program in 2026, other African nations have already introduced some of the cheapest and fastest paths to a second passport by investment. Sierra Leone offers a program for $140,000 USD, with a $40,000 discount available to applicants of African heritage.
On the other hand, São Tomé and Príncipe officially launched its program in September 2025, granting citizenship to anyone who makes a qualifying contribution to the National Transformation Fund, starting at $90,000 USD. This program provides a direct route to citizenship with no residency requirements before or after approval.
These programs are affordable and give investors an important “Plan B.” They allow people to travel more freely while providing a safe alternative and creating a valuable asset that can be passed down to future generations.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
