Acting President Mr. Ndaba Gaolathe has declared youth unemployment in Botswana a national crisis, citing alarming figures from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 4th National Human Development Report. Speaking at the official launch of the report on Wednesday, Mr. Gaolathe emphasized the urgent need for targeted intervention to address the crisis that disproportionately affects young people, particularly women.
According to the report, an estimated 38.2 percent of youth in Botswana are unemployed, with many lacking the marketable skills needed to participate in the modern economy. The data paints a troubling picture of a generation facing significant barriers to employment, education, and empowerment in an evolving labor market.
“This is not just a statistic. It is a national emergency,” Mr. Gaolathe stated. “Youth unemployment undermines our economic growth, threatens social stability, and erodes the hope of an entire generation. If we are to safeguard the future of this country, we must act with purpose and urgency.”
The report reveals that young women are particularly affected by unemployment and skills mismatch, reflecting persistent gender inequalities in education access, career advancement, and economic inclusion. Many young women, especially in rural areas, remain outside formal education and training systems, leaving them vulnerable to long-term unemployment and poverty.
Mr. Gaolathe stressed the importance of investing in gender-responsive education and training initiatives to bridge the skills gap and promote inclusive economic participation. “No country can succeed when half its population is left behind,” he said.
To address the crisis, the Acting President called for strategic investment in youth-focused programs and innovative financing models, including public-private partnerships (PPPs). He noted that collaboration between government, private sector, civil society, and international partners is critical to building a robust and inclusive economy that creates opportunities for young people.
“Botswana must adopt bold and innovative solutions to drive sustainable growth,” Mr. Gaolathe said. “This includes leveraging technology, promoting entrepreneurship, reforming the education system, and fostering partnerships that deliver real impact.”
The National Human Development Report outlines a roadmap for advancing youth development through improved access to quality education, vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and job creation initiatives. It also calls for the integration of youth voices in policy-making and program design to ensure that interventions reflect the needs and aspirations of young people.
Mr. Gaolathe concluded his remarks with a rallying call to action: “Let this report not gather dust on the shelf. Let it be the foundation of a national movement to uplift our youth and secure a prosperous future for all Batswana.” The launch of the report marks a pivotal moment in Botswana’s national development discourse and signals renewed commitment at the highest levels of leadership to tackling youth unemployment head-on.
