Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 183
- 97
Zimbabweans have become the largest group of foreign nationals granted citizenship in Botswana since 2018, accounting for nearly half of all successful applicants.
Figures presented in Botswana's Parliament show that 2,947 Zimbabweans acquired citizenship during the period, ahead of South Africans, who recorded 1,327.
Botswana granted citizenship to a total of 5,957 foreign nationals, according to Labour and Home Affairs Minister Major General (Retired) Pius Mokgware.
The figures were disclosed in response to a question from Kgosi Khama IV of Ga-Mmangwato.
Zimbabweans accounted for approximately 49.5% of the total citizenship grants, while South Africans made up about 22.3%.
Indians ranked third with 320 successful applicants, followed by Zambians with 209 and Angolans with 142.
Other nationalities included Malawians (103), Basotho (101), Democratic Republic of Congo nationals (66), Namibians (64), Kenyans (62), Pakistanis (53) and Britons (50).
MARRIAGE A MAJOR ROUTE TO CITIZENSHIP
Minister Mokgware indicated that most foreign nationals acquired Botswana citizenship through marriage to citizens.
Under Botswana's citizenship framework, foreign spouses can apply for citizenship after meeting specified residency and other legal requirements. A five-year residency requirement for foreign spouses was previously reported by Botswana's government-owned DailyNews in August 2025.
The latest parliamentary figures, however, do not provide a breakdown showing how many Zimbabweans obtained citizenship through marriage or other routes.
ZIMBABWEANS AMONG BOTSWANA'S FOREIGN POPULATION
The figures highlight the strong migration links between Botswana and its northern neighbour, Zimbabwe.
Zimbabweans have long travelled to Botswana for employment, business and other opportunities, with economic difficulties at home contributing to outward migration.
However, the citizenship figures should not be interpreted as the total number of Zimbabweans living or working in Botswana, as they only account for those who successfully acquired citizenship.
They also do not establish the reasons behind each individual's decision to become a Botswana citizen.