Botswana’s young people have been challenged to rethink their role in society and position themselves as drivers of economic growth rather than passive recipients of government support. This message was delivered by Lesego Chombo during the Molepolole Youth Pitso held at IHS, where she encouraged the country’s youth to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving as pathways to national development. Her remarks reflected the government’s growing emphasis on youth empowerment and the belief that young people can play a central role in shaping Botswana’s future economy. The gathering brought together young citizens, leaders, and stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the youth sector. Through open dialogue and engagement, the event highlighted the importance of ensuring that young voices remain at the centre of policy development and national progress.
Addressing attendees, Hon. Chombo stressed that Botswana’s future depends heavily on a generation that is willing to create solutions rather than wait for opportunities to be handed to them. She urged young people to identify challenges within their communities and develop innovative businesses that can address those problems while creating employment opportunities for others. According to the Minister, entrepreneurship is not only a tool for personal success but also a mechanism for driving economic transformation and social development. She encouraged young people to view themselves as creators of value who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth agenda. Her call resonated with the broader vision of building a resilient and diversified economy that relies on innovation and enterprise.
The Minister also outlined several initiatives being undertaken by the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs to create a more supportive environment for youth development. Among these efforts is the review of laws and policies aimed at removing barriers that prevent young people from innovating and establishing successful enterprises. She further announced plans to increase youth procurement opportunities from 20 percent to 40 percent, a move expected to open greater access to government contracts and business opportunities for young entrepreneurs. In addition, the Ministry is revitalising Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes to ensure that young people acquire practical and relevant skills needed in today’s labour market. These interventions demonstrate the government’s commitment to equipping youth with both the resources and opportunities required to thrive in an increasingly competitive economy.
Recognising the rapid technological changes taking place around the world, Hon. Chombo urged young people to prepare for the future by embracing digital skills and technological advancement. She noted that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming industries, creating new opportunities while also changing the nature of work. To remain competitive, she said, young people must invest in learning new skills and adapting to evolving economic realities. The Minister highlighted the importance of innovation and technology as key drivers of future prosperity and encouraged youth to actively engage with these developments. By doing so, they can position themselves to take advantage of new opportunities and contribute to Botswana’s economic competitiveness on a global scale.
Another significant aspect of the Minister’s address was her emphasis on youth participation in policymaking. She assured attendees that the views, ideas, and recommendations shared during the Youth Pitso would directly influence the Ministry’s policy formulation and decision-making processes. This commitment reflects a broader effort to ensure that policies affecting young people are informed by their experiences and aspirations. Hon. Chombo emphasised that meaningful youth engagement is essential for developing effective programmes that address real challenges faced by young citizens. The Youth Pitso therefore served not only as a discussion platform but also as an important channel for shaping future government interventions.
The Minister also provided updates on several key programmes designed to support youth development and employment. She revealed that the Ministry has completed reviews of the Youth Development Fund, the Botswana National Service Programme, and the Youth Employment Strategy. These reviews are expected to strengthen the effectiveness of existing programmes and improve outcomes for young beneficiaries. Hon. Chombo reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that youth have access to opportunities across all government ministries rather than being limited to programmes offered by a single department. This integrated approach aims to maximise youth participation in economic activities and strengthen their contribution to national development.
Also addressing the gathering was Shima Monageng, who underscored the importance of giving young people a platform to express their views and aspirations. He commended the strong turnout at the Youth Pitso and praised the enthusiasm demonstrated by participants. Hon. Monageng highlighted entrepreneurship as a key priority and shared his ambition of seeing at least 30 young people become successful entrepreneurs before the end of his term. He expressed confidence that this target is achievable and indicated that experts would be engaged to provide guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the process. His remarks reinforced the event’s focus on empowering young people to become active contributors to economic growth.
The Youth Pitso also featured an interactive panel discussion where young participants had the opportunity to share their perspectives and propose practical solutions to challenges affecting the youth. This engagement allowed attendees to discuss issues ranging from employment and skills development to entrepreneurship and innovation. The discussions reflected a strong desire among young people to be included in decision-making processes and to play a greater role in shaping their future. The platform encouraged constructive dialogue between youth and leaders, creating an environment where ideas could be exchanged openly and collaboratively.
The Molepolole Youth Pitso highlighted Botswana’s commitment to empowering its young population and creating opportunities for meaningful participation in national development. Through her call for a radical mindset shift, Hon. Lesego Chombo challenged young people to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving as essential tools for success in a rapidly changing world. The government’s ongoing policy reforms, skills development initiatives, and support programmes demonstrate a clear intention to create an environment where youth can thrive. Combined with the support expressed by leaders such as Hon. Shima Monageng and the active engagement of participants, the event reinforced the belief that Botswana’s young people have the potential to become powerful drivers of economic growth, job creation, and long-term national prosperity.
