Context:

Lesego Chombo, at just 26, became Botswana's youngest cabinet minister, recognized for her achievements as a beauty queen and lawyer. Her appointment by President Duma Boko marked a significant political shift in Botswana, with Boko focusing on reducing the country's reliance on diamonds and promoting entrepreneurship among the youth. Chombo, passionate about youth development and gender equality, aims to create an ecosystem where young people can thrive and participates actively in addressing Botswana's high unemployment and gender-based violence issues. Despite criticism over her parliamentary decisions, she remains committed to implementing a Gender-Based Violence Act and fostering gender equity through education and community involvement. Her journey from Miss Botswana to a political leader underscores her dedication to creating tangible, sustainable impact in her country.

Dive Deeper:

• Lesego Chombo, crowned Miss Botswana in 2022 and Miss World Africa in 2024, became Botswana's youngest cabinet minister at 26, appointed by President Duma Boko, whose party achieved a landslide victory after 58 years of opposition rule.

• Chombo's role as minister of youth and gender is pivotal in President Boko's strategy to diversify Botswana's economy, heavily dependent on diamonds, by encouraging youth entrepreneurship and employment.

• With approximately 60% of Botswana's population under 35 and facing high unemployment, Chombo is determined to nurture youth-led initiatives and ensure young voices are present in decision-making processes.

• Chombo's efforts extend to tackling gender-based violence, a pressing issue in Botswana, where over 67% of women have experienced abuse, by advocating for a Gender-Based Violence Act and promoting gender equity education.

• Her background as a lawyer and beauty queen has enabled her to campaign for social change and establish the Lesego Chombo Foundation, aiding disadvantaged children and families in rural Botswana.

• Despite facing criticism in parliament for her stance on certain motions, Chombo emphasizes the importance of applying existing laws effectively and fostering public awareness to combat systemic issues.

• Chombo draws inspiration from influential figures like her mother and Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World, as she seeks to create sustainable impact and pave the way for future generations in Botswana's leadership landscape.