The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today officially launched Botswana’s 4th National Human Development Report in Gaborone, with this year’s edition placing a powerful focus on youth employment. The launch event drew high-level national attention and was graced by the Acting President of the Republic of Botswana and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, who delivered a compelling keynote address.
Mr. Gaolathe underscored the importance of the report, emphasizing that the event was not merely a ceremonial unveiling, but a national call to action. “This is about confronting a challenge that touches the very soul of our nation,” he said, highlighting the urgency of addressing the country’s youth unemployment crisis.
According to the report, youth unemployment in Botswana currently stands at a staggering 38%, with a significant number of young people falling into the NEET category—not in Education, Employment, or Training. This demographic reality poses a serious threat to the country’s development prospects and social stability, especially as Botswana’s youthful population continues to grow.
The Acting President stressed that tackling youth unemployment is not just a development concern but a deeply interconnected issue that spans across multiple sectors. “Addressing youth unemployment requires a multifaceted approach that tackles economic factors, skills gaps, education and training, and systemic issues,” he said. He added that solutions must be holistic, inclusive, and long-term to ensure every young person is given the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national growth.
The 4th National Human Development Report is expected to serve as a key policy-shaping document, providing data-driven insights and strategic recommendations aimed at reversing the current trend. It outlines actionable steps for creating inclusive economic opportunities, strengthening education-to-employment pathways, and building a more dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem for youth.
UNDP Resident Representative to Botswana, Ms. Rose Ssebatindira, echoed the urgency of the report’s findings. She reaffirmed the UNDP’s commitment to working alongside the Government of Botswana to implement solutions that empower young people and support human development progress in the country. “Youth are the heartbeat of sustainable development. Investing in their potential is not optional—it is essential,” she noted.
The launch comes at a pivotal moment as the government accelerates efforts to implement youth-focused reforms and economic recovery strategies in the wake of global and local economic pressures. Stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector are expected to use the report as a blueprint for crafting innovative programmes and policy responses that address unemployment and foster inclusive growth.
With youth unemployment standing as one of Botswana’s most pressing socio-economic challenges, the Human Development Report is a timely and vital tool that could drive meaningful transformation—if met with coordinated action and unwavering commitment.
