In a continent where youth representation in governance often remains a dream, Botswana’s Lesego Chombo is proving that age is no barrier to leadership—or impact.
At just 26, Chombo—a lawyer, beauty queen, and social advocate—made history in November 2024 when she was appointed Botswana’s youngest cabinet minister, taking charge of the Ministry of Youth and Gender.
Her appointment came shortly after the historic electoral victory of President Duma Boko and his Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which unseated a party that had held power for nearly six decades.
A Harvard-trained lawyer, President Boko had campaigned on a platform of economic diversification and youth empowerment. In Chombo, he found what many now call the “perfect ambassador” of that vision: young, vibrant, and already leading by example.
Chombo first caught the nation’s attention in 2022 when she was crowned Miss Botswana. She went on to win the Miss World Africa title in 2024, all while working as a practicing lawyer. But it wasn’t the glitz of the pageant world that earned her a seat at the table of governance—it was her substance.
“I’ve never been more proud to be young,” Chombo said in an interview shortly after her swearing-in. “Youth development, gender equality, and child welfare are issues I live and breathe.”
Though she did not run in the general election, Chombo was selected as a specially elected member of parliament—one of only six women in the 69-member National Assembly. She admitted the appointment came as a surprise.
“I was appointed by a president who had never met me,” she said. “The pageantry world was never the final destination—it was just the platform that made me visible for this calling.”
Long before her ministerial role, Chombo was already making an impact through the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which focuses on supporting underprivileged children and families in rural communities. The foundation, funded by corporate donors, continues to thrive under her oversight.
“We strive to live in a world where we feel seen, heard, and represented,” she said. “I’m honoured to embody that representation for others.”
Chombo, now 27, balances her duties as a minister with her legal work at a Gaborone-based law firm. Her mandate as minister is not symbolic. She is keen on creating a robust ecosystem for youth empowerment in a country where over 60% of the population is under 35 and unemployment stands at a staggering 28%—even higher for women.
“My vision is to foster an economy and a society where youth can thrive—through entrepreneurship, innovation, and opportunity,” she said.
To support this, the government has initiated a forensic audit of 30 state-owned enterprises and is working to enforce youth quotas in public procurement. A recent investment deal with UAE-based outsourcing firm CCI Global is one of the early fruits of the administration’s drive to diversify the economy and boost job creation.
While youth empowerment sits at the heart of her portfolio, Chombo has also been vocal on gender-based violence (GBV), a persistent issue in Botswana where more than 67% of women have reported abuse—double the global average.
“It hurts to know that it could be me next,” she said.
Chombo came under fire early in her tenure for voting against an opposition motion to establish “peace desks” at police stations, insisting that existing legal structures only needed better implementation. Following a spike in GBV cases during the festive season, she reiterated the need for systemic reforms and promised to push for a dedicated *Gender-Based Violence Act* to address legal loopholes.
She also advocates a multi-sectoral response—engaging health, education, and local government institutions—while pushing for gender equity education in school curriculums and community structures.
“Gender equity must start from the home,” she said. “We must model better behaviour for our children.”
Interestingly, Chombo also champions male mental health and positive masculinity. “When we speak of gender equality, it must be for everyone—but we must also recognise the specific burdens women carry,” she explained.
Chombo’s path has been shaped by the strength of women around her. “My mother made it possible for me to thrive. But I know many girls don’t get that chance,” she said.
She also credits Julia Morley, Miss World CEO, for instilling in her the ethos of *beauty with a purpose*. “She inspired so many of us to embrace social responsibility.”
As she settles into office, Chombo remains conscious of the high expectations placed on her shoulders. But her goal is clear:
“Impact. Tangible, lasting impact. That is what success means to me. I want to create something that outlives me.”
