Young Trailblazer: Lesego Chombo Shakes Botswana's Political Landscape

Tue Oct 21 2025 11:08:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Lesego Chombo, 27, embodies youthful energy as Botswana's youngest cabinet minister, blending beauty queen accolades with a commitment to social change.

Lesego Chombo has emerged as a pioneering figure in Botswana after being appointed the country’s youngest cabinet minister at 26, championing youth development and gender equality while combating high unemployment rates and gender-based violence.

Lesego Chombo is making waves in Botswana's political scene as the youngest cabinet minister in the nation’s history, appointed in November at just 26 years old. A multi-talented individual, Chombo has previously claimed the Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024 titles and is a practising lawyer. Her appointment came following a major political shift with the arrival of President Duma Boko, who seeks to empower young people in Botswana, where about 60% of the population is under 35.

Chombo is now the Minister of Youth and Gender, advocating for youth engagement in various initiatives. “I’ve never been more proud to be young,” she expressed amidst her responsibilities, which include combatting unemployment rates that soar to 28%, particularly affecting women. Her commitment to youth empowerment is evident through her Lesego Chombo Foundation, which supports disadvantaged children and their families in rural areas.

Following her success in beauty pageants, Chombo aims to inspire young women and enact systemic changes. Despite not having campaigned for her ministerial role—being specially elected—she feels her achievements as Miss Botswana opened doors for her political journey. She views her role as a platform to push for youth-driven solutions to issues plaguing the nation.

While she faces challenges, including criticism for her stance on gender-based violence responses, Chombo remains committed to inclusive approaches to policy-making and education. She emphasizes the importance of teaching gender equity from a young age and creating awareness to ensure effective implementation of existing laws against violence.

Chombo credits strong women in her life, including her mother, for her determination to succeed, acknowledging that women often work harder to break through barriers. Looking ahead, she is focused on tangible impacts that ensure sustainability in her initiatives, with a vision that empowers future generations in Botswana.

“I want to look back and see that it is there and it is sustainable,” Chombo stated, determined to leave a legacy of progress and hope for the youth of Botswana.