These four African Countries are Providing Citizenship Based on Ancestry
With more than 50 nations across the globe now providing pathways to citizenship based on ancestry, the prospect of relocating abroad, reconnecting with one’s ancestral heritage, or obtaining a second passport has become increasingly accessible.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that the process of obtaining dual citizenship can be time-consuming, intricate, and fraught with bureaucratic obstacles and unclear regulations.
If you are contemplating a move back to your ancestral homeland, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone in your aspirations.
The African diaspora has witnessed a substantial surge, with approximately 9 million individuals returning to Africa.
In response to this burgeoning trend, several African nations have extended the privilege of ancestral-based citizenship to people of African descent.
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4 African Countries currently offering Citizenship based on Ancestry
Ghana
Ghana, often referred to as the gateway to Africa, has a long history of welcoming members of the African diaspora seeking to return to their ancestral roots.
The globally recognized “Year of Return” campaign warmly received African Americans tracing their lineage back to specific tribes or ethnic groups primarily associated with Ghana.
As part of its commitment to embracing the homecoming of its brothers and sisters, Ghana recently conferred citizenship upon approximately 250 African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans.
Sierra Leone
In November 2020, Sierra Leone embarked on a journey to grant citizenship to individuals of African descent whose ancestors originated from the country.
Collaborating with African Ancestry, a DNA testing company based in the United States, Sierra Leone witnessed the first group of African Americans receiving citizenship in January 2021.
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Gabon
In 2019, actor Samuel L. Jackson discovered through a DNA test for the documentary series “Finding Your Roots” that he is a member of the Benga people of Gabon.
This revelation prompted him to travel to Gabon, where he was granted Gabonese citizenship. Similarly, Ludacris (Christopher Brian Bridges), after spending Christmas and New Year in Gabon and uncovering his ancestral bloodline, was also bestowed with Gabonese citizenship.
Eritrea
Eritrea recognizes individuals of Eritrean descent as Eritrean citizens by birth, regardless of whether they have an Eritrean father or mother.
The country has also extended citizenship to those without Eritrean ancestry who have entered and resided in Eritrea.
Recently, Eritrea made headlines by granting citizenship to Tiffany Haddish, an American actress of Eritrean heritage, who traveled to her native country to acquire citizenship.
However, her support for Eritrea’s authoritarian government has drawn criticism from some quarters.
These African nations offer the opportunity to explore ancestral connections and secure a second passport, reflecting the growing trend of rekindling cultural ties.
As the diaspora continues to expand, individuals are seizing the chance to embark on new beginnings and strengthen their bonds with their ancestral homelands.
