Youth unemployment continues to challenge national growth, with rising numbers of young people struggling to find meaningful employment and economic stability. At a recent strategic planning retreat, The Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Hon. Lesego Chombo, Acting Permanent Secretary Ms. Phuthego, and Director of the Department of Youth, Ambassador Nkoloi Nkoloi, called for urgent, practical action to address these pressing issues. The retreat, held under the theme “Consolidating Impact, Strengthening Delivery, and Accelerating Results,” brought together key stakeholders to shift the focus from advocacy to concrete interventions. Minister Chombo emphasized the need to remove structural barriers that prevent youth and women from accessing opportunities, urging participants to pursue unity, innovation, bold decision making, and accountability. He stressed that strategies must translate into tangible results, including jobs and improved livelihoods, to make a real difference in the lives of young people.
Ms. Phuthego highlighted the urgency for the Ministry, which has been in operation for just one year, to move beyond planning and implement actionable solutions aligned with national development frameworks. She cautioned against complacency amid economic strain, stressing that effective execution is critical to producing measurable outcomes. Ambassador Nkoloi Nkoloi reinforced the scale of the challenge by citing a 38.2% youth unemployment rate, noting that the solution requires investment in people, systems, and technology. He also called for a stronger presence in local communities, emphasizing that interventions must reach those most affected to be effective. The retreat focused on translating strategic discussions into practical action, ensuring that policy frameworks directly address barriers to youth employment and economic empowerment.
The planning sessions aim to produce a four-year actionable strategy that prioritizes inclusive development, increased access to economic opportunities, and strengthened support systems for young people and women. Stakeholders discussed integrating innovative approaches, leveraging technology, and enhancing public-private partnerships to maximize impact. Minister Chombo reiterated that bold decision making and consistent follow-through are essential for turning strategy into results, highlighting the role of accountability in monitoring progress. Ms. Phuthego underscored that successful implementation requires coordination across all levels of government and active engagement with communities. Ambassador Nkoloi Nkoloi emphasized that investments must target both skills development and infrastructure, ensuring that young people are equipped to participate fully in the economy.
The retreat represents a critical step in tackling youth unemployment and economic challenges through coordinated, evidence-based interventions. By moving from advocacy to action, the Ministry aims to create measurable improvements in livelihoods, economic inclusion, and social mobility. The participants committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and accountability, ensuring that strategies are implemented effectively and reach the intended beneficiaries. The four-year plan will serve as a roadmap for translating national policy into practical, community-level impact. Ultimately, this approach seeks to empower young people and women, reduce unemployment, and contribute to sustainable economic growth while addressing structural barriers that have long hindered progress.
