With over 50 countries globally granting some type of ancestor citizenship, the possibility to relocate overseas, reconnect with ancestral origins, or obtain a second passport has grown more accessible.
However, applicants for dual citizenship should be aware that the process can be time-consuming, complex, and hampered by bureaucratic red tape and confusing legislation. If you’re thinking of returning to your homeland, know that you’re not alone. The black diaspora has grown significantly, with a startling 9 million people returning to Africa.
In reaction to this trend, numerous African governments have granted free citizenship to people of African origin based on their ancestors’ DNA. Four African countries presently confer citizenship based on ancestry:
Ghana
Ghana, renowned as the “Gateway to Africa,” has traditionally welcomed African diasporans wishing to return to their ancestral homeland. The global attention-grabbing “Year of Return” campaign welcomed African Americans who traced their ancestry back to specific tribes or ethnic groups mostly located in Ghana. Ghana recently granted citizenship to roughly 250 African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans, in keeping with its commitment to welcoming our brothers and sisters home.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone began a journey in November 2020 to grant citizenship to those of African origin whose ancestors were born in the country. Sierra Leone witnessed the first wave of African Americans acquiring citizenship in January 2021, thanks to a collaboration with African Ancestry, a DNA testing business in the United States.
Gabon
In 2019, actor Samuel L. Jackson revealed through a DNA test for the documentary series “Finding Your Roots” that he is descended from the Gabonese Benga tribe. This realization drove him to Gabon, where he was granted Gabonese citizenship. Similarly, Ludacris (Christopher Brian Bridges) was granted Gabonese citizenship after spending Christmas and New Year’s in Gabon and discovering his ancestors.
Eritrea
Individuals of Eritrean heritage are considered Eritrean nationals by birth, regardless of whether they have an Eritrean father or mother. The country has also granted citizenship to persons who have entered and remained in Eritrea but do not have Eritrean heritage. Eritrea recently made headlines for granting citizenship to Tiffany Haddish, an American actress of Eritrean descent who traveled to her homeland to get citizenship. However, some have criticized her support for Eritrea’s dictatorial regime.
These African countries provide the opportunity to discover family ties and obtain a second passport, exemplifying the growing trend of reconnecting with cultural heritage. Individuals are grabbing the opportunity to make fresh beginnings and establish relationships with their ancestral homelands as the diaspora continues to grow.