BOTSWANA TO SELL CITIZENSHIP IN $100K BID TO PLUG DIAMOND CASH HOLE
Botswana is weighing a controversial new plan to sell citizenship to wealthy foreigners as the country looks for fresh ways to replace shrinking diamond revenues. Under the proposed “golden passport” scheme, foreign nationals could secure Botswana citizenship by making a one-off investment of up to $100,000.
The government hopes the move will soften the blow from declining diamond exports, long the backbone of the national economy. Officials believe the programme could attract as many as 5,000 families over the next five years, potentially pumping around $500 million into state coffers.
Interest is already building. Reports say roughly 1,000 prospective applicants have come forward, with strong demand from the United States, India and Zimbabwe. Supporters argue the initiative could boost investment, create jobs and diversify the economy beyond diamonds.
