Known for diamonds, the government of Botswana is launching a citizenship-by-investment program aimed at wealthy foreigners. According to Financial Times, the Botswana ‘golden passport’ is likely to be introduced soon, which would require foreigners to pay a one-off investment of up to $100,000 in exchange for citizenship.
The golden passport is a part of Botswana’s first-ever Citizenship by Investment program called the Botswana Impact Citizenship program.
The ‘golden passport program’ could soon see the light of day. Legislation for the government-backed golden passport proposal is pending parliamentary approval, with a vote anticipated in early 2026, reports Financial Times.
By contributing US$75,000-90,000, one can not only get Botswana citizenship but also help fund high-priority initiatives that deliver immediate impact for the people of Botswana.
Arton Capital, the world-leading investment migration consultancy, has an exclusive memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Botswana to build and launch a new Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).
“Around 1,000 people have registered their interest to date, with applicants from the US, Zimbabwe and India in the top three.” said Armand Arton, chief executive of Arton Capital, a financial advisory firm marketing the scheme, to Financial Times.
Botswana currently holds the 4th strongest passport in Africa, according to the Passport Index by Arton Capital. With Arton Capital’s guidance, the government is targeting an ambitious 2027 date to reach the no.1 ranking on the continent, paving the way for Botswana passport holders to access the world’s biggest markets visa-free.
Botswana’s Impact Citizenship Program
Less than three months after its launch, Botswana’s Impact Citizenship Program is already attracting global attention from investors across the globe.
Early data reveal that close to half of the investors showing interest in Botswana’s Impact Citizenship Program are from the United States (14%), Zimbabwe (10%), India (8%), South Africa (8%), and Pakistan (6%).
In terms of wealth, the program’s accessibility, with its investment range between US$75,000 and US$95,000, is evident.
Two-thirds (67%) of applicants report a net worth between USD 100,000 and US$1 million, while 29% fall between US$1–10 million, and 4% exceed US$10 million. The numbers suggest the program appeals not only to ultra-high-net-worth investors but also to the broader mass-affluent segment seeking attainable, value-based opportunities.
Botswana Golden Passport
Botswana’s need to launch the ‘golden passport’ program is economic. Botswana’s economy, significantly reliant on diamonds for 30% of its revenues and 75% of its foreign exchange, contracted by 3% in 2024, with the IMF predicting an additional 1% contraction in the current year.
The global diamond market is experiencing a prolonged downturn due to declining demand, an excess supply, and competition from the increasing popularity of lab-grown diamonds, negatively impacting rough diamond prices.
