Young Visionary: Lesego Chombo, Botswana’s Trailblazing Cabinet Minister

In a groundbreaking political shift, Lesego Chombo, crowned Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024, embodies the aspirations of a young generation, taking on the role of Botswana’s newest cabinet minister and championing youth development and gender equality.

Lesego Chombo, Botswana's youngest cabinet minister, has made history at just 27, a role she embraces with enthusiasm and a commitment to youth empowerment. After being crowned Miss Botswana 2022 and winning the Miss World Africa 2024 title, Chombo leveraged her fame to advocate for social change, focusing particularly on youth development and gender equity in a nation where young people, constituting 60% of the population, are facing significant challenges.

Under President Duma Boko's administration, Chombo was appointed minister of youth and gender after the UDC party won a decisive victory. With a backdrop of high unemployment rates, especially among women and young people, her commitment to fostering an environment where youth entrepreneurship and initiatives can flourish is evident. “I want to create an ecosystem where youth can thrive,” she shared.

Chombo's work aims to combat unemployment and systemic issues hindering youth development. She is keen to ensure government initiatives are transparent and inclusive, promoting quotas for young entrepreneurs in state tenders. Amid widespread concern about gender-based violence, with over 67% of women reported to have experienced abuse, Chombo is advocating for effective implementation of existing laws and new strategies to address these critical issues.

Despite facing criticism for her parliamentary decisions, Chombo remains committed to a holistic approach involving ministries to teach gender equity from a young age. She believes in inclusive education and breaking down patriarchal cultural barriers, advocating for both women's and men's issues.

As the daughter of a strong woman and an alumna of the University of Botswana's law program, Chombo recognizes the challenges that women face in leadership. “As a woman, you have to work ten times harder,” she said, underscoring her resolve to make a tangible impact during her tenure. With determination and passion, Lesego Chombo is not just creating history; she is also paving the way for a brighter future for Botswana's youth.