4,274 foreigners gained Botswana citizenship via marriage
Zimbabweans and South Africans married to Batswana citizens acquired citizenship between 2018 and 2026.
Government figures show that 4,274 Zimbabwean and South African nationals became Botswana citizens through marriage between 2018 and 2026. Of this total, 2,947 were Zimbabweans and 1,327 were South Africans, with Zimbabweans making up about 69 percent of the beneficiaries.
Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Pius Mokgware stated that geographical proximity and shared borders facilitate relationships leading to these marriages. He explained that cross-border movement has contributed to relationships where foreign spouses seek Botswana citizenship. Marriage to a Motswana does not automatically grant citizenship; applicants must meet naturalisation requirements.
The Citizenship Act requires foreign spouses to have resided in Botswana for at least five years and lodged a declaration of intention to apply for naturalisation two and a half years before their application. Minister Mokgware disclosed these figures in response to a question in Ntlo ya Dikgosi.
Why it mattersZimbabwean and South African nationals married to Batswana citizens gained Botswana citizenship after meeting residency and application requirements.