Young Ambitions: Lesego Chombo's Journey as Botswana's Youngest Cabinet Minister

At just 27, Lesego Chombo has transitioned from beauty queen to a pivotal political figure in Botswana, being appointed as the country's youngest cabinet minister. With a strong focus on youth development and gender issues, she aims to tackle unemployment and advocate for gender equity while drawing on her unique background as a lawyer and philanthropist.

Lesego Chombo's exuberance and portfolio are hard to overlook: she is not only the reigning Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024 but also a practicing lawyer and founder of her own charitable foundation. At the age of 26, she made history in November as Botswana's youngest cabinet minister, appointed by newly elected President Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), in a radical political shift after decades of dominance by the previous ruling party.

President Boko, a 55-year-old Harvard-trained lawyer, has emphasized the necessity for youth to spearhead solutions amid an economy largely dependent on diamond exports. Convinced Chombo embodies this youth-focused vision, he appointed her as the minister of youth and gender, declaring, “I've never been prouder to be young,” Chombo expressed her passion for youth development and gender equality during her inauguration at the ministry's headquarters in Gaborone.

Surprisingly, Chombo had not initially sought a position in the parliament, being a specially elected member in a 69-seat assembly with only six female representatives. Her rise came unexpectedly after her Miss Botswana crowning brought attention to her social change aspirations, enabling her to inspire young women and launch the Lesego Chombo Foundation, dedicated to aiding rural youth and their families.

As she geared up for the Miss World pageant, her focus shifted towards service, which she views as a nurturing space to channel her newfound platform. Chombo is acutely aware of the high youth unemployment rate in Botswana—around 28%, which disproportionately affects young women and is exacerbated by systemic corruption. She is committed to creating favorable conditions for youth to thrive, envisioning an economy wherein young people spearhead initiatives and achieve representation in decision-making processes.

The minister is advocating for a revised approach to implementing anti-corruption measures, ensuring that state agencies fulfill their commitments to quotas for young entrepreneurs. In alignment with this goal, the government is conducting an intensive audit of its expenditures across multiple state enterprises.

While advancing youth issues remains a priority, Chombo is equally invested in addressing gender equality, particularly in the wake of increasing violence against women in Botswana. A UN report revealed that over 67% of women have suffered abuse—more than double the global average. Despite initial backlash for her parliamentary votes on gender violence initiatives, Chombo has continually advocated for practical solutions, including the implementation of a Gender-Based Violence Act and educational curriculums promoting gender equity.

Recognizing the intricacies of gender issues, she aims to raise awareness on mental health and stress positivity among men. Chombo, who studied law at the University of Botswana, credits her mother as a significant influencer in her journey, acknowledging that women often face greater challenges in achieving leadership roles.

Chombo appreciates the legacy of Julia Morley, Miss World's CEO, for inspiring her and many others in social responsibility. With her journey just beginning, this ambitious minister is focused on delivering tangible and sustainable impacts during her tenure, asserting, "I want to look back and see that it is there and it is sustainable."