26-Year-Old Lesogo Chombo appointed Minister of Youth and Gender

Gaborone, Botswana: Presiden Duma Gideon Boko has appointed 26-year-old Lesogo Chombo as Botswana’s Minister of Youth and Gender, marking one of the continent’s youngest ministerial appointments.

Ms Chombo, an attorney, known for active involvement in youth empowerment and gender equality advocacy, expressed dedication to her new role, pledging to enhance economic opportunities and representation for Botswana’s youth.

“This role is a call to address the challenges our youth face with innovative, inclusive strategies,” Chombo said during her acceptance speech. She emphasized education reform, job creation, and gender inclusivity as key pillars of her agenda.

The appointment, by the newly elected president Duma Gideon Boko as part of a newly structured cabinet, has been met with widespread approval among Botswana’s youth, who see this as a promising shift toward representation and empowerment. Political analysts and Pan-African leaders alike view it as a progressive step that aligns with broader Pan-African efforts to empower and engage young leaders in governance and promote gender equality.

Lesogo Chombo’s leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives to Botswana’s policies on youth employment, gender parity, and economic inclusivity.

Across Africa, several countries including Kenya have appointed young leaders to ministerial positions, often with a focus on youth affairs, technology, and social development:

Kenya: Nadia Ahmed Abdalla: At 29, she served as Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Innovation, and Youth Affairs, focusing on youth innovation and technology initiatives.

Nigeria: In 2021, Ahmed Abubakar Rufai Zakari, then 35, was appointed Special Adviser on Infrastructure, bringing youth-centered perspectives to the role.

Uganda: In 2021, Esther Mbayo served as Minister for the Presidency, with an influential voice in youth programs.

Rwanda: Rosemary Mbabazi, appointed as Minister of Youth in 2017, has been pivotal in advancing youth and entrepreneurship programs.