12 Feb 2023

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has granted 16 foreign nationals Botswana citizenship as investors or directors from 2018 to date, Parliament has heard.

Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Annah Mokgethi revealed this as she responded to a parliamentary question on Thursday.

Ms Mokgethi said the number comprised seven South Africans, six Indians and one Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Greek nationals.

She told Parliament that the President’s power to grant citizenship to nationals of other countries was provided for in section 10 of the Citizenship Act, which read; “the President may cause to be registered as a citizen any person, as a token of honour, who in his opinion had done signal honour or rendered distinguished services to Botswana. Or any person not otherwise entitled to or eligible for citizenship of Botswana with respect to whom special circumstances exist which, in the opinion of the President, warrants such registration.”

Regarding the possible implication for the economic inclusion goal, Ms Mokgethi explained that the dispensation did not in any way have a negative impact on the economic inclusion initiative.

“This was primarily because investors were involved in priority sectors of the economy such as manufacturing, agriculture, information and communications technology, transport and logistics services and tourism, which were able to create sustainable employment opportunities,” she explained.

She indicated that their business companies sourced different types of products and services locally, hence creating opportunities for value chain.

“Consequently, they contribute to the development and diversification of the economy,” she added.

MP for Sefhare/Ramokgonami, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang had asked the minister to state the number of persons who had been given citizenship from 2018 to date by country of origin and occupation under the investor of note provision preferred by the President as well as possible implications for the economic inclusion goal. ENDS