04 Nov 2025

The Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs has proposed a total budget of P650.3 million for projects, from which P588.9 million will cover new projects, while ongoing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects are estimated to cost P61.4 million under National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12).

The proposed new projects include among others, construction of facilities and refurbishment of Youth Centres, consultancies and various studies for youth and gender sectors.

Minister Lesego Chombo said P456.3 million would go toward ministry infrastructure which entailed construction, upgrading and refurbishment of youth centres to increase access and participation in youth empowerment programmes as well as establishing market centres for women entrepreneurs and providing office space and staff housing in various districts.

Ms Chombo was on Monday presenting before Parliament her Ministry’s Public Investment Programme (PIP) under NDP 12.

Furthermore, she said P125 million was required to implement youth and gender mainstreaming programmes, which were intended to promote gender equality and address youth issues and programming for sustainable empowerment programmes.

“Some of the projects to be implemented under this programme include the National Relationship Study II, establishment of Safe Havens/GBV One Stop Centres, the development of a GBV information management system and the study on youth mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

In addition to enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship among youth and women, she noted that the programmes were aimed at ensuring that women had equal opportunities that enabled them to contribute to the economy.

She also said the strategic investments did not only target economic empowerment, but also addressed the mental and emotional wellbeing of the targeted groups.

Ms Chombo said government was committed to prioritising empowerment of youth and women, as well as promoting gender equality through existing policies and programmes.

“We are investing in systems that deliver, in voices that must be heard and in citizens who are ready to lead. The programmes I have outlined are not mere administrative undertakings, but strategic investments in people, productivity and national progress,” she noted.

To provide an integrated communication network and a platform for psycho social services, Ms Chombo said a total of P68.9 million was required to develop Information Technology infrastructure and establish the ministry’s call centre. 

She said these would enable timely access to information and support public sector operations.

Ms Chombo noted that the success of these projects translated to more job opportunities and economic empowerment for youth and women, which contributed stronger and safer communities.

She also said empowering marginalised groups created a more inclusive and competitive economy.

“The resources requested are therefore not costs, but catalysts for measurable change, empowered young people, reduced gender inequalities, improved service delivery and a more resilient society,” she said. ENDS