Faith Nyasuguta
In a groundbreaking step, Botswana’s recently elected president, Duma Boko, has appointed 26-year-old Lesego Chombo, the current Miss World Africa, as the nation’s Minister of Youth and Gender. This appointment has positioned Chombo as the youngest Cabinet Minister in Africa, marking a bold shift in Botswana’s leadership.
Born on February 7, 2000, in the village of Shorobe, Lesego Chombo was raised by her supportive parents, Motswanageng and Ditebo Chombo. Her upbringing was defined by a nurturing environment that fueled her early interest in justice and community service. This passion led her to pursue law at the University of Botswana, where she excelled both academically and through involvement in student groups and community outreach projects.
Lesego graduated with an LLB degree and began her legal career practicing at the High Courts of Botswana. Her commitment to law was evident as she undertook internships and progressed to become an associate at Kebabonye Business Law, focusing on community-centered advocacy and social justice.
Chombo’s journey in pageantry began at a young age when she won the title of Queen Esther in 2012, a program inspired by the biblical Queen Esther, aimed at empowering young women as leaders. In 2017, she further strengthened her advocacy credentials by winning the Miss Women Empowerment title, showcasing her commitment to causes that uplift women and youth.
Her career gained significant momentum with her victory as Miss Botswana in 2022, which provided her with a broader platform to champion social change. This culminated in her being crowned Miss World Africa in 2024. Leveraging her visibility, Chombo established the Lesego Chombo Foundation to support underprivileged youth through initiatives such as The Genesis Project, focusing on mentorship and educational access.
President Duma Boko, recognizing her contributions and leadership potential, appointed Chombo as a Member of Parliament before selecting her for the ministerial role. “All of my experiences, qualifications as an attorney, and advocacy as Miss World Africa contribute to my readiness,” Chombo stated, emphasizing her drive to create change. “If not now, then when? I am committed to learning and growing. This is the Botswana we envision.”
The president’s decision to appoint Chombo sends a powerful message about the importance of youth leadership in policy-making. “Youth and gender must move from conversation to action. We proudly welcome Lesego Chombo as our new Minister of Youth and Gender,” President Boko declared, underscoring his administration’s focus on inclusive governance.
As the newly appointed minister, Chombo aims to empower young people to be active participants in shaping the country’s future. Her focus includes addressing gender disparities, promoting inclusive policies, and creating opportunities in leadership, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Chombo’s mission is to ensure that Botswana’s youth are equipped with the tools and support they need to thrive.
Her online initiative, Law Talks, highlights her dedication to demystifying legal processes for ordinary citizens, reinforcing her reputation as an advocate for public empowerment. Her work as a lawyer and beauty queen complements her vision for progress, blending her legal expertise with her advocacy for equitable opportunities.
The response to Chombo’s appointment has been overwhelmingly positive, with many seeing it as a testament to the impact that young, dynamic leaders can make. Her story aligns with a broader vision of nurturing millions of young African leaders capable of transforming their societies. “No dream is too big, and no age too young to lead,” Chombo remarked, inspiring a new wave of hope among Botswana’s youth.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Lesego Chombo’s appointment is not just symbolic; it represents a pivotal moment in Botswana’s evolution towards a more inclusive and progressive government, emphasizing that leadership knows no age when the commitment to serve is clear.
