Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Benin Offers Citizenship to African Diaspora
Benin, a country in West Africa, has started a program called 'My Afro Origins' to give citizenship to people who can prove they have African roots.
This includes descendants of people who were taken from Africa during the time of slavery.
The program is led by President Patrice Talon and is supported by famous people like filmmaker Spike Lee.
So far, around 50 people have become citizens of Benin through this program.
One of the first people to get citizenship was Ciara, a famous American singer.
The program is also about remembering the history of slavery and making connections between Africans and people from the African diaspora.
Benin hopes this will help the country develop with the help of its diaspora.
Benin's 'My Afro Origins' program offers citizenship to people of African descent, with around 50 citizens granted so far.
The program is part of President Patrice Talon's plan to raise Benin's profile and highlight its role in transatlantic slavery.
Applicants must be 18 years old and provide proof of African ties, such as documents or a DNA test.
Famous ambassadors for the program include filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife Tonya Lee Lewis.
Benin's initiative is similar to Ghana's program, which has granted citizenship to 684 members of the African diaspora since 2016.
- Who
- Benin's government, African diaspora, including Isaline Attelly, Ciara, and Russell Wilson
- What
- Benin's 'My Afro Origins' program offering citizenship to people of African descent
- When
- Program launched last year, with naturalisation ceremonies ongoing
- Where
- Benin, with a focus on Ouidah and Cotonou
- Why
- To raise Benin's profile, highlight its role in transatlantic slavery, and strengthen ties with the African diaspora
- Program Name
- My Afro Origins
- Initiated By
- President Patrice Talon
- Ambassadors
- Spike Lee and Tonya Lee Lewis
- First Beneficiary
- Ciara (July 2025)
- Citizens Granted
- Around 50
- Eligibility Criteria
- 18 years old, proof of African ties, not a citizen of another African country
- CARICOM Endorsement
- Right of return for descendants of enslaved people
- Funding Proposal
- European states and governments