Naturalization in African states: its past and potential future

The existing literature on the grant of citizenship by naturalization largely focuses experience Europe and immigrant-founded states Americas Australasia. This article considers African experience. It sets out comparative law naturalization, limited information that exists implementation these rules in practice, noting formal is rare all countries continent. argues amendments to are mainly performative, rather than aiming at any broader public policy outcome. Although there have been some important initiatives reach particular groups excluded from citizenship, rare. Yet attitudes acquisition foreigners more open practice. Historically, integration into citizen body has happened through local processes certification identity. New efforts strengthen identification systems Africa may well make closed, also difficulty visible.