Benin opens citizenship to people of African descent
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Nile Post
The Beninese government has launched a digital platform allowing people of African descent to seek recognition of their origins and Beninese nationality. Approved applicants will receive a certificate allowing them to enter Benin and reside there for three years, according to Nile Post, under laws adopted in 2024 and 2025.
The Beninese government has launched a digital platform enabling people of African descent to request recognition of their ancestry and acquire Beninese nationality under a new legal framework. Successful applicants will receive a certificate of eligibility for Beninese nationality, according to the Beninese government.
The certificate will immediately allow its holders to enter Benin and reside there for three years while completing the naturalisation process. It will contain a secure QR code that can be verified by travel authorities using the Justice Ministry’s official application, available on Google Play and the App Store.
The scheme is based on Law No. 2024-31 of 2 September 2024, amended by Law No. 2025-11 of 1 July 2025. The Beninese embassy has informed foreign ministries and diplomatic missions around the world to facilitate travel for eligible applicants, according to the Beninese government.
The scheme marks a new step after Beninese nationality was granted to 53 people of African descent, announced on 26 October 2026. Interested applicants are invited to submit their applications through the programme’s official portal.
