Botswana President Duma Boko announced on Friday that the country will introduce a citizenship-by-investment programme as part of efforts to diversify its economy away from its reliance on diamond exports.
The southern African nation, the world’s leading producer of diamonds by value, has faced significant budgetary constraints this year following a prolonged downturn in the global diamond market. Botswana’s economy contracted by 3% last year, and the government projects another contraction in 2025.
“This programme will enable us to continue to secure the long-term financial future of Botswana,” Boko said in a statement.
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According to the government, the scheme will generate funds to support priority sectors such as housing, tourism, renewable energy, mining, and financial services. The required investment threshold for citizenship has not yet been determined.
In recent months, the government has stepped up measures to cushion the economy, including declaring a public health emergency in August after the collapse of the medical supply chain and launching a new sovereign wealth fund in September to drive diversification, create jobs, and manage state-owned enterprises.
To implement the citizenship initiative, Botswana has signed a memorandum of understanding with global investment migration consultancy Arton Capital.
