Botswana Launches Citizenship-by-Investment Program to Diversify Economy Beyond Diamonds

Botswana's President Duma Boko announced the launch of a citizenship-by-investment program as part of the country's strategy to diversify its economy away from its dominant diamond export sector. This initiative aims to attract foreign investment to critical areas such as housing, tourism, renewable energy, mining, and financial services to secure the nation's long-term financial future. Botswana's economy has been under strain, contracting 3% last year with further contraction expected in 2025 due to the global diamond market downturn. The government has also declared a public health emergency and established a sovereign wealth fund to support diversification, job creation, and state enterprise management. Botswana has partnered with Arton Capital under a memorandum of understanding to develop and implement the citizenship program, though details like investment amounts and residency requirements have not yet been disclosed. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Botswana's global economic standing and passport strength in Africa.