Benin launched a new digital platform on 31 October to allow African descendants to apply for citizenship. The portal, located at www.myafroorigins.bj, serves as the official point of entry for individuals seeking to claim Beninese nationality through this initiative. Applicants can access the site to submit documentation and verify their eligibility under the established national framework. Government officials designed the digital interface to streamline the application process for the African diaspora globally. Users can visit the web address to begin their submissions immediately. This digital platform, accessible at www.myafroorigins.bj, represents a significant shift in how the state manages requests from those living outside the country who wish to formalize their connection to the nation.
Legal Framework for Citizenship
Law No. 2024-31, enacted on 2 September 2024, and Law No. 2025-11, enacted on 1 July 2025, provide the formal foundation for this citizenship initiative. These statutes establish the regulatory requirements for individuals seeking to claim Beninese nationality through the new digital platform. The initiative is based on Law No. 2024-31 enacted on September 2, 2024, and Law No. 2025-11 enacted on July 1, 2025. These two pieces of legislation outline the specific criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for national status. By codifying these requirements into law, the government ensures that the process remains transparent and consistent for all applicants regardless of their current location.
Successful applicants receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Beninese Nationality, which is issued directly by the Minister of Justice and Legislation. This document serves as the formal recognition of an individual's status under the national framework. The Minister of Justice and Legislation oversees the final approval of these certificates, ensuring that all legal conditions stipulated in the aforementioned laws are satisfied before issuance.
Holders of the Certificate of Eligibility gain immediate entry into Benin upon arrival. The certificate also provides the specific right to reside in the country for a period of three years while the holder proceeds with the process of acquiring full nationality. The Certificate of Eligibility grants holders immediate entry into Benin and the right to reside in the country for three years while acquiring nationality. This period of residence is intended to facilitate the transition for new applicants as they integrate into the national structure and complete the necessary steps to secure permanent citizenship.
Security measures accompany the issuance of these documents to ensure their authenticity. Each certificate features a secure QR code that allows for verification through the official Justice application. The certificate includes a secure QR code for verification via the official Justice application on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Users can download this application from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store to confirm the validity of the documentation. This digital verification process is designed to prevent fraud and ensure that only authorized holders of the certificate can exercise the rights granted to them under the new framework.
