Lesego Chombo’s vibrant zest for life is as contagious as her remarkable accomplishments. She has claimed the titles of Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024, practices law as a working attorney, founded her own charitable organization, and made history as Botswana’s youngest cabinet minister in November.
At just 26 years old, Chombo caught the attention of Botswana’s newly elected President Duma Boko, who was impressed by her dedication to various causes. Boko, a Harvard-educated lawyer, swiftly took action to address the country’s overreliance on diamonds following his landslide victory.
Recognizing Chombo as the ideal ambassador for his vision, Boko appointed her as the minister of youth and gender. Chombo expressed her pride in representing the youth and promoting gender equality during interviews with the BBC.
While her journey to becoming a member of parliament and a minister was unexpected, Chombo sees her platform as Miss Botswana as the catalyst for her advocacy work. Through the Lesego Chombo Foundation, she continues to support disadvantaged youth in rural areas with funding from corporate sponsors.
Now 27, Chombo balances her role as an associate at a law firm in Gaborone with her passion for service and social change. She remains committed to empowering young women and ensuring representation for all in society. “I really put my all into winning this major title.”
Now holding a political position, she understands the high expectations placed on her in a country where around 60% of the population is under 35 years old.
The country also faces a significant unemployment rate of 28%, which is even higher among young people and women who struggle with limited economic opportunities and systemic corruption.
Chombo is determined to address this issue: “Currently in Botswana, unemployment rates are alarmingly high.
“But it’s not just about unemployment, it’s also about the lack of focus on youth development.
“There is a need for a supportive ecosystem, society, and economy where youth can thrive.”
Chombo’s plan involves establishing a comprehensive system that promotes youth-led initiatives, enhances entrepreneurship, and ensures that young people have a voice in decision-making processes.
With Botswana’s anti-corruption measures being reviewed, Chombo aims to enforce quotas for young entrepreneurs in government tenders to boost transparency and accountability.
The government has initiated a forensic audit of government expenditures over a 10-month period, including 30 state-owned enterprises.
President Boko is committed to combating corruption to enhance investor confidence and diversify the economy, with support from his deputy who has been working on partnerships with the UAE and Switzerland.
A significant agreement has been reached with CCI Global from the UAE to establish a hub in Botswana.
“It’s painful to think that I could be a victim next””, Source: Lesego Chombo on gender-based violence, Source description: Botswana’s youth and gender minister, Image: Lesego Chombo
While youth development is a key focus, gender equality is also a top priority for Chombo.
During her tenure, there has been a growing concern over gender-based violence in the country.
A UNFPA report revealed that over 67% of women in Botswana have experienced abuse, well above the global average.
Chombo expressed her commitment to implementing a Gender-Based Violence Act to close legal gaps hindering justice for survivors.
She emphasized the need for a holistic approach involving various ministries to address gender-based violence from a young age.
Chombo’s efforts extend to promoting positive masculinity and mental health support for men to combat gender violence effectively.
She acknowledges the challenges faced by women in society and aims to create a more equal and inclusive environment for all genders.
Chombo’s determination to bring about social change is evident in her advocacy for youth and gender issues, driven by her personal experiences and aspirations for a more equitable society.
She is focused on making a lasting impact through her work as a minister, recognizing that the journey towards meaningful change has just begun. Cuando me vaya, alguien más podrá llevarlo a cabo.