Benin Extends Citizenship to African Diaspora, Engages International Figures

Benin has introduced a new citizenship programme aimed at people of African descent worldwide, enabling them to reconnect with their ancestral homeland. The initiative, known as “My Afro Origins,” is designed to recognise historical ties and offer a formal pathway to citizenship for eligible applicants.

The programme requires applicants to provide documentation or DNA evidence proving their lineage to Benin. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and cannot hold citizenship in another African country. So far, about 50 people have successfully obtained citizenship, with thousands more applications under review.

The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to raise Benin’s global profile while commemorating its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade. Officials are also developing heritage projects, including a “Door of No Return” memorial in Ouidah and a museum dedicated to slavery and memory, aimed at educating visitors and preserving historical narratives.

Prominent international figures are helping promote the programme. Filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lee Lewis, were appointed ambassadors to African-American communities, encouraging participation and raising awareness of Benin’s cultural and historical significance.

Several celebrities have engaged with the programme. American singer Ciara and her husband, football quarterback Russell Wilson, attended cultural events in Ouidah and expressed interest in acquiring citizenship, drawing global attention to Benin’s efforts.

The naturalisation ceremonies have been symbolic, offering recipients an opportunity to celebrate their heritage. Participants, including those tracing their ancestry to the Caribbean and other parts of the diaspora, receive official citizenship certificates and are welcomed with public events and cultural showcases.

Benin’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, emphasized that reconnecting with the diaspora is central to national development. He highlighted that diaspora engagement can strengthen cultural ties, attract tourism, and contribute to economic growth, while celebrating ancestral roots.

The programme mirrors similar initiatives in other African countries, such as Ghana’s “Year of Return,” reflecting a growing movement across the continent to facilitate a “right of return” for descendants of enslaved Africans. Officials hope Benin’s effort will foster long-term connections with the global African diaspora and promote a shared cultural legacy.