30 Oct 2025

Government intends to formulate the Youth Development Act as part of the intervention strategy to address unemployment and guide youth mainstreaming in various sectors.

The Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Ms Lesego Chombo told Parliament that the legislation was expected to facilitate the formulation of the Youth Commission as well as strengthen the Botswana National Youth Council.

Presenting the Youth Development and Gender Mainstreaming Chapter of the draft National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12) before Parliament on Wednesday, Ms Chombo noted that while unemployment hindered young people from participating in economic growth, the situation further resulted in the rise of anti-social behaviours such as high crime rate and alcohol and substance abuse.

Furthermore, she said the Youth Development Fund (YDF) was undergoing review to improve programming for the young people.

“In terms of programming for the youth, the Youth Development Fund is currently being reviewed and remodelled to address key issues that have constrained its impact over the years. These issues include analogue systems, inadequate post funding support and weak monitoring and evaluation mechanisms,” she said.

Minister Chombo noted that YDF review was intended to enhance capacity building, adequate support and mentorship for youth businesses, as well as providing access to markets through a robust and more effective framework.

She also noted that the programme would strengthen partnerships with the private sector for financing, technology transfer and business growth. These initiatives, she noted, would go a long way in creating more employment opportunities for young people and improve their economic and development contribution.

Ms Chombo further said the revamping of the Botswana National Service Programme would ensure improved coordination to promote youth empowerment and a conducive conduit into employment and the business world.

“The new model will emphasise skills development, civic engagement and transition pathways into employment or entrepreneurship. Our participants will gain training that allows them to later transition into structured opportunities through linkages with both public and private sector partners,” she noted.

In order to create a sense of patriotism, service and active participation through structured placement in community and development partner projects, the minister said NDP 12 would see the introduction of the National Volunteer Movement targeting the youth.

She said among other objectives, the initiative would reduce idleness of both in and out of school youth, while also creating a platform for employability and overall social interaction.

Ms Chombo said skills transfer, career guidance and personal growth would be addressed through the National Mentorship Programme. She said the latter was intended to bridge the gap between experienced mentors and less experienced young people in entrepreneurship and other ramifications.

In addition, she noted that her ministry would collaborate with strategic departments and organisations to avail youth-friendly facilities aimed at empowering youth. ENDS