Central Africa in 2025 faces a critical juncture, with a confluence of political, economic, humanitarian, environmental, and geopolitical challenges. As the region grapples with growing instability, a rising number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are reevaluating their long-term mobility and wealth strategies. What was once considered a distant “Plan B” is now becoming a proactive approach to ensuring stability, with many affluent families and business leaders exploring second citizenship and offshore asset management, not out of fear, but as a strategic hedge.
The growing trend of migration
Over the past decade, approximately 18,700 high-net-worth individuals have left Africa, relocating to wealth hubs such as the UK, USA, Australia, and the UAE. According to the 2024 Africa Wealth Report, there are still currently 135,200 HNWIs in Africa, along with 342 centimillionaires (individuals worth $100 million or more) and 21 billionaires. Projections suggest that in 2025, Africa will continue to experience a significant outflow of millionaires, with many of them seeking new opportunities in other countries.
The political and economic volatility in Central Africa presents multiple risks for wealth preservation. Capital restrictions, currency depreciation, geopolitical unrest, and regulatory unpredictability add complexity to estate planning and wealth transfer. Over the past decade, many African currencies have depreciated dramatically, with Nigeria, Egypt, Angola, and Zambia experiencing declines of more than 75%. South Africa’s currency depreciated by 43%. These challenges are prompting HNWIs to move their wealth abroad, seeking stable financial environments that are less prone to economic fluctuations and political uncertainty.
As of 2024, Africa’s total investable wealth stands at USD 2.5 trillion, with the continent’s millionaire population projected to grow by 65% over the next decade. However, Africa’s passport strength remains a significant limitation to global mobility. On average, African visa applicants also face far more severe restrictions compared to applicants from other regions, with a 30% rejection rate, significantly higher than the global average.
Second Citizenship as a Strategic Solution
For many HNWIs in Central Africa, second citizenship is emerging as a key strategy, not only for wealth preservation but also to ensure uninterrupted access to international markets, education, and healthcare. The main drivers for migration among HNWIs include safety, financial concerns, tax optimization, retirement planning, lifestyle factors such as climate and scenery, and access to top-tier schools and healthcare.
Residency and citizenship by investment (RCBI) programs offer a secure legal framework to facilitate global mobility, financial diversification, and family security. These programs allow for expanded visa-free travel, more favourable tax regimes, and smoother succession planning across generations.
Popular RCBI Destinations for African Investors
Caribbean citizenship programs, such as those offered by St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Grenada and Antigua & Barbuda, continue to attract African investors. The Caribbean is particularly attractive for its fast citizenship processing and no residency requirement, offering visa-free access to over 130 countries from a minimum cost of USD 200,000. These programs are well-suited for families seeking quick, efficient second citizenship with privacy and tax planning benefits.
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is also popular among investors seeking a foothold in Europe. It offers long-term residency with access to healthcare and education, and eligibility for citizenship after five years. The investment cost starts at €200,000, with the program providing visa-free access to 33 European countries, including those in the Schengen Area.
Greece’s Golden Visa program, which requires a minimum real estate investment of €250,000, offers permanent residency with access to the Schengen Area. This program appeals to investors interested in long-term property value and lifestyle upgrades in Europe.
Latvia is also emerging as a top European program due to its affordability and quick processing of residency permits. Investment starts from EUR50,000, one of the most affordable golden visa programs in the world.
The US EB-5 continues to attract African investors seeking long-term stability, education, and business prospects in one of the world’s largest economies. By investing a minimum of USD 800,000 in a qualifying project, applicants and their families can obtain US Green Cards, granting them the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the United States.
The Strategic Importance of Global Mobility
For Central African HNWIs, second citizenship is no longer a distant goal but a vital safeguard in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. As political instability and economic uncertainties continue to rise, securing global access through second citizenship offers significant advantages. Beyond protecting wealth, these programs provide HNWIs with the freedom to live, work, and conduct business globally, accessing top-tier education, healthcare, and financial services.
At Citizenship Invest, we guide you through the process of obtaining second citizenship or residency by investment. From due diligence to documentation, our experts ensure that your wealth and future remain secure. Contact us today.
