Top African Countries with Actual Relocation / Citizenship-By-Descent Programs for People of African Descent

If you're of African descent (in the diaspora) and thinking of relocating or reclaiming a legal tie to the continent, you might have heard of programs promising citizenship or the chance to return home. But which countries actually offer this now—and how do the programs work? This post covers some of the leading examples, what the requirements are, what you can expect, and how to prepare.

Starting with The Republic of Benin

Benin: Citizenship for Descendants of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

What’s new:

Benin passed Law No. 2024-31 which grants citizenship to individuals whose ancestors were part of the transatlantic slave trade. The law recognizes “Afro-descendants” who can show ancestral connection to Africa. Along with the law, Benin has launched a platform called My Afro Origins (in mid-2025) to allow applications. 

Who is eligible:

Must be age 18 or older. 

Must not already hold an African citizenship (this is a requirement in some cases) at time of application. 

Must provide proof of descent: this could be family records, certified testimonies, or DNA evidence. 

Must spend / visit Benin at least once in the three-year provisional period (as per the provisional nationality certificate guidelines) to finalize citizenship.

What you get:

A provisional nationality certificate (valid for 3 years) after initial recognition of descent. Then, with conditions met (including stay), full citizenship. 

With citizenship come the legal benefits: passport, rights, ability to legally reside, work, participate in civic life (though some political rights may be phased or require full naturalization depending on legislation). 

Things to watch:

Gathering proof of descent can be challenging: documentation may be lost, testimonials may need official verification, DNA testing implies cost.

Stay / residence requirement means you have to physically visit or reside in Benin within a time frame.

Some legal or institutional limits may apply early on (civil service, political office) depending on parts of the law.