Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs

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Unknown Employees
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Unknown Revenue
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$200 and More Avg. Salary

About Company

Identity & Mandate

  • Historically known as the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, its core mandate centres on empowering youth and advancing gender equality within Botswana’s government framework

  • Specifically, it leads policy development, program implementation, and oversight—especially through key bodies such as the Botswana National Youth Council .


📋 Structure & Key Departments

Originally positioned under the umbrella ministry that included sport and culture, now it focuses on youth and gender. It previously shared structure with:

  • Youth Empowerment Desk

  • Arts & Culture Desk

  • Sport & Recreation Desk

  • National Service & Internship Department

  • Botswana National Library Service

  • Botswana National Archives & Records Service

Its current standalone structure continues core youth-focused programs and gender policy coordination.


🙋 Leadership

  • Honourable Lesego Chombo (b. 1998) was appointed Minister on 11 November 2024, making her the youngest cabinet minister in Botswana’s history at age 26 .

  • Former minister Tumiso Rakgare served until November 2024 under the broader ministry structure .


🎯 Main Functions

  1. Policy & Program Oversight: Guiding national frameworks on youth and gender, ensuring equitable initiatives.

  2. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with entities like the Botswana National Youth Council to amplify youth engagement .

  3. Advocacy & Outreach: Organizing forums (e.g., the LEAD Forum), and campaigns promoting gender equality, including roles for men and boys .

  4. International Liaison: Engaging with partners such as the Chinese Embassy to support youth and women’s economic empowerment.


📅 Recent Highlights

  • LEAD Forum: Hosted by Minister Chombo under the “Learn, Engage, Act & Develop” initiative.

  • Month of Youth: Co‑launched with BNYC to spotlight youth-driven agendas .

  • Men & Boys in Gender Equality: A forum emphasizing male involvement in achieving gender equity.

  • Diplomatic Engagement: Meeting with the Chinese ambassador to bolster cooperation on youth and gender agendas.


🌱 Strategic Role Moving Forward

  • Acts as a policy hub for youth economic and social development, and gender equity.

  • Leverages new leadership, youth representation, and targeted programs to inspire Botswana’s next generation and strengthen national efforts on gender rights.