Young, Ambitious, and Making History: Lesego Chombo, Botswana’s Trailblazing Minister

Lesego Chombo, the young force shaking up Botswana's political and social landscape, has made history as the country’s youngest cabinet minister, a role she believes will empower the youth and tackle gender violence.

Lesego Chombo is a name that resonates with change and ambition in Botswana, where she has recently become the youngest cabinet minister at just 27 years of age. A dynamic individual, Chombo combines her roles as a beauty queen—having won the titles of Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024—with her profession as an associate lawyer in Gaborone. The surge of her public profile and her commitment to social issues has made her a fitting ambassador as Botswana's Minister of Youth and Gender.

Chombo's appointment came as part of a significant political shift following the election of President Duma Boko, marking an end to decades of uninterrupted rule by the Botswana Democratic Party. The UDC's new cabinet is focused on diversifying the diamond-reliant economy, and Chombo's expertise in youth engagement aligns perfectly with this vision. “I’ve never been more proud to be young,” she states emphatically, embodying the hope of a generation eager for change in a nation where approximately 60% of the population is under 35.

Her involvement in politics was unexpected; she was specially elected to parliament rather than campaigning directly. "I got appointed by a president who had never met me," she said, portraying her journey from pageant competitions to political office as an unexpected yet transformative path. The exposure from her pageants allowed her to build her foundation focused on supporting disadvantaged youths and advocating for gender equality.

Chombo is acutely aware of the socio-economic challenges facing Botswana, where unemployment is at a staggering 28% and disproportionately affects young people. "Currently in Botswana, the rates of unemployment are so high," she reflects, emphasizing her desire to create an ecosystem for youth to thrive through improved access to entrepreneurship and decision-making processes.

Under her leadership, there is an ongoing effort to enforce youth quotas in government contracts to ensure that young entrepreneurs are included in discussions that directly affect their future. Additionally, Botswana’s anti-corruption policies are under scrutiny, with reforms aimed at cultivating transparency and investor confidence.

Chombo also aims to address the alarming rates of gender-based violence in Botswana, where statistics reveal that over 67% of women have suffered abuse. Her tenure has not been without controversy; she faced criticism for opposing an initiative to establish "peace desks" at police stations. However, she stands by the need for existing laws to be enforced effectively and prioritizes awareness across communities. "What we need is more public awareness," she insists.

Her fight for gender equity has also prompted discussions about the marginalization of men's mental health, promoting positive masculinity while advocating for equal treatment under the law. "When we speak of gender equality, we're saying that it should be applied equally for everyone," she explains.

Chombo credits her mother and formidable women in her life for inspiring her journey, acknowledging the additional barriers faced by women in leadership. "Women have to work ten times harder to succeed," she remarks, a testament to her own experiences.

With dreams of sustainable impact, Chombo believes true success lies in the tangible changes she can foster during her time in office. As she continues her mission to empower youth in Botswana, Lesego Chombo represents hope for a new generation dedicated to enacting lasting social change. Her story is not just about personal achievement—it's a vision for a more inclusive future for all Botswana's citizens.