Leader of Opposition (LoO) Dumelang Saleshando has poked holes into an initiative by announced by President Duma Boko to ‘sell’ Botswana citizenship.
Boko made the announcement on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last month. Boko highlighted the initiative will unlock the much-needed capital for the country's diversification push, while also creating opportunities for investors.
The initiative is in partnership with international consultancy, Arton Capital under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).
The arrangement grants foreign nationals' citizenship for as little as US$75,000, roughly P1 million, according to a live website endorsed by Arton Capital, a move which the LoO has questioned. According to Saleshando the move by the President was taken without any consultation either with Parliament or Batswana. “This is a big decision that the President has once again taken without consulting. Batswana must be taken on board. If Batswana had reservation about people just crossing into Botswana using an ID it means they take seriously who is able to come in and go out,” Saleshando stated.
Saleshando continued, “They will be coming here to take full rights that Batswana have. We needed to be taken onboard, afterall we are a small population, already our economy is controlled by expatriates and naturalised Batswana. There are many issues that come into play surrounding money laundering, financing terrorism around people we bring in. we don’t have the capacity as it is to have a full assessment and due diligence of every individual who comes in with the money.” Botswana’s passport is ranked as the fourth strongest in Africa by Arton’s Passport Index, offering visa-free access to some parts of Asia and many African countries. With the government aiming for the top continental ranking by 2027, questions arise on whether a P1 million price tag undervalues the strategic worth of local citizenship.
