In 2024, the Republic of Benin passed Law No. 2024-31 (passed September 2, 2024).

This new law, championed by President Patrice Talon, is the foundation of a program that allows any person aged eighteen (18) years or older who, based on genealogical evidence, has a sub-Saharan African ancestor who was deported from the African continent as part of the transatlantic slave trade, to apply.

The law went into effect in July 2025 with the launch of the My Afro Origins platform, which invited the diaspora to apply.

I first learned about it when I saw the entertainer Ciara celebrating her return to Africa as a recognized citizen. I was inspired.

A month later (August 2025), I applied. The process was fairly simple. I had all of my documents, including recorded personal details that showed my ancestral connection to West Africa.

What I submitted:

• My birth certificate (showed race)
• Parents’ birth/death certificates (showed race)
• African Ancestry DNA results
• U.S. passport data page
• Criminal background check
• Proof of profession/occupation

In December 2025, I received my “certificate of eligibility,” which was valid for three years to travel to Benin to complete the process.

On March 6, 2026, I received my formal invitation to travel to Benin to complete the process and attend a nationality ceremony on March 21, 2026.

At my ceremony, I met new cousins who joined me from Mexico, Haiti, France, Switzerland, and the USA.

The process to apply for this program is $100 USD. That’s it. No hidden fees. No hidden agenda!

Days after the ceremony, I applied online for my Benin passport and was able to utilize the Afro Descendant VIP processing. Also quite easy and quick with a fee of 133,250 CFA or $237 USD.  I had my passport in hand the following day after verifying my documentation and submitting biometric data in person at the passport office located in Cotonou.

As it currently stands, I am one of the first 60 people out of thousands who have secured their Benin citizenship in the global diaspora.

So many reason! After spending time living in Ghana off and on for 5 years, I knew the path to citizenship was a possibility but in my heart, I was not aligned to be there. All of my experiences added up and were overall positive but there was something there that gave me pause to attempt to move into applying or further establishing roots there with my family.

I hoped that other opportunities would become available over the course of time that was a better fit for my needs. Fortunately, Benin instituted their new law and it seemed right. Actually perfect for me! These are my reasons why:

• The spiritual vibe of Benin fully aligns with me. It is a country that is steeped in tradition and culture that has stood the test of time, colonialism, and non-African religious indoctrination. As an African spiritualist, this is big for me. Vodun and Orisha are living out loud!
• A significant and symbolic bridge to affirm my love for and connection to my ancestors.
• Benin is making significant moves to reconnect the diaspora to Africa without hidden fees, residency requirements, or otherwise marketing campaigns and agendas!
• By obtaining an ECOWAS passport, all of West Africa visa-free. Currently, there are several West African countries that are not allowing U.S. citizens to apply for visas to enter. This is no longer a barrier for me. Additionally, other countries in Africa are knocking down visa barriers for African passport holders/citizens.
• Being able to domicile in Benin without restrictions.
• Benin has stable infrastructure and a bubbling economy.
• The cost of living is quite affordable for someone coming from the USA.
• Benin is ready to welcome a variety of new business ideas. If you build it, they will come—creative industries, wellness spaces, cultural tourism.
• Nature is respected and ecotourism is big, which is one of my love languages. This can be seen at popular destinations and communities such as Ganvié, La Rivière Noire (Black River), Bab’s Dock, and the sprawling coastline of coconut tree-lined beaches.
• As I continue to build my relationship and connection with Benin, eventually, I will be eligible to use my voice politically to help shape the country.

With all of this… Why not?

• Submitted biometric data (fingerprints/photos)
• Pomp and circumstance
• Received Certificate of Nationalization
• Received Beninese birth certificate
• Applied online for Beninese passport
• Received Beninese passport
• Celebrated myself as one of 60 people from the diaspora out of thousands that have applied for and successful received citizenship