Zimbabweans Eye Botswana’s “Golden Passport”

The Government of Botswana is finalising a Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) program, commonly known as a “golden passport.”

The initiative would grant citizenship to foreign nationals making a one-time investment, with figures starting as low as $75,000, according to sources familiar with the policy debate.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, citing a need to diversify national revenue streams, has targeted the program to attract up to 5,000 families within five years.

Based on the anticipated investment threshold, this could inject approximately $500 million into the economy.

The Financial Times reports that preliminary interest has already come from approximately 1,000 individuals, including applicants from the United States, India, and, notably, Zimbabwe.

The proposal has sparked a robust public debate regarding its pricing and true objectives.

Commenting on social media, Vee Mukushwa argued the $100,000 benchmark was too low, stating,

“They should have started at R500k or 1million… Western people are looking for African citizenship.”

This was countered by Fanuel Quinton Kelvin, who clarified the substantial Rand value of the dollar-denominated fee.

However, some observers question the stated economic motive.

Gladys Sena, a social commentator, said , “They’re lying, it’s not to replace lost revenue due to Diamond sales.. They’re trying to boost the Population growth.”

For investors, particularly those in neighbouring Zimbabwe facing economic volatility, the program presents a potential avenue for stability and regional integration.

The offered citizenship would provide visa-free access to key markets and a stake in one of Africa’s most stable and transparent economies.

Despite the debate on motives, the government’s message is clear: Botswana is actively opening new doors for capital and talent.

As one local entrepreneur, Tapuwa T-fresh Mhlanga, writes, “Great move for Bots!”

The program signals Botswana’s adaptive strategy in a shifting global landscape, creating a new, potentially lucrative pathway for foreign investment.