World 400m champion Collen Kebinatshipi has urged African federations to "protect" their athletes after World Athletics blocked six runners from the continent who wanted to transfer their allegiance to Turkey.
Switching nationality has increasingly become an attractive option for athletes seeking better incentives and structured support.
However, this growing trend has contributed to a talent drain across Africa.
Botswana's Kebinatshipi acknowledged athletes "go through a lot" - particularly in preparing for international competitions - but has urged national governing bodies to offer more support.
"Spending sometimes can be a bit challenging," Kebinatshipi, 22, told BBC Sport Africa.
"I think they [African athletes] are doing that because they want to go where they can cut costs [and] be supported."
Earlier this month five Kenyans, including former women's marathon world record-holder Brigid Kosgei, and Nigeria's Favour Ofili were targeted with what World Athletics, the sport's governing body, described as "lucrative" contract offers from Turkey.
Ofili's situation drew particular attention after the 23-year-old was left off the entry list for the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics because of an administrative error by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
In response to the World Athletics ruling, the AFN stressed the importance of "unity" and creating the "right environment" for the sprint star to thrive.
"It's just about support from federations keeping up with their status and standards," said Kebinatshipi.
"That can play a big role when it comes to athletes [who] want to switch their citizenship to other countries."
Athletes in Botswana may not be considering a change of nationality any time soon, given the country's recent successes on the global stage.
Letsile Tebogo took a stunning 200m gold at Paris 2024 and, alongside Kebinatshipi, Lee Bhekimpilo Eppie and Bayapo Ndori, the sprint star was also part of the team that won 4x400m relay gold at the World Championships in Tokyo last September.
Botswana is the first African nation to achieve that feat, and Kebinatshipi thinks improved results are down to a growth in confidence.
"At first we didn't really believe in ourselves as athletes here in Botswana," he admitted.
"We didn't know what it really means to show up and step on the track and deliver your best."
Botswana's profile will receive a further boost when it hosts the World Relays this weekend - a historic event which will see it become the first African nation to organise a senior World Athletics track competition.
Kebinatshipi credits much of the country's transformation to the influence of compatriot and fellow 400m runner Isaac Makwala, the Commonwealth and Olympic medallist who has inspired a new generation.
"My role model from a young age has been Isaac.
"[He] has also been close to me and guiding me. That's why I had that motivation and belief that I can also do this and be like him.