The African Union (AU) is encouraging young people and women in Botswana to seize opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture as a strategy to combat rising unemployment and drive economic diversification. Speaking on behalf of the AU Commission, Programme Officer in the Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, Katlego Sekhobe, highlighted the untapped potential of these sectors for job creation and income generation.
Sekhobe explained that fish farming and aquaculture are not only accessible but also scalable, making them suitable for youth-led enterprises and innovation. She noted that Botswana’s growing need for food security and sustainable industries provides fertile ground for developing these sectors. By investing in aquaculture, the country can empower its young population while addressing its unemployment challenges.
She stressed that agriculture as a whole, including fisheries, remains one of the most practical tools for tackling joblessness. Botswana’s economy continues to rely heavily on diamonds, and Sekhobe underlined that diversification into areas like aquaculture could reduce this dependence while boosting rural development.
The AU’s call aligns with continental goals to strengthen food systems and create sustainable livelihoods. According to Sekhobe, empowering young people and women with training, access to finance, and technical support in aquaculture could transform small-scale ventures into competitive businesses.
The push for fisheries and aquaculture also resonates with Botswana’s broader development agenda, which aims to open new pathways for employment while supporting the country’s long-term economic stability. The AU reaffirmed its commitment to working with national partners to ensure that young people and women are equipped to take advantage of opportunities in this emerging sector.
By positioning fisheries and aquaculture as engines for growth, the AU hopes to inspire a shift in Botswana’s economic outlook and foster a new generation of entrepreneurs who can contribute to national and continental development.
