22 Jan 2026

Botswana Youth Centres are being re-imagined as engines of opportunity, shifting from recreational spaces to integrated development hubs that equip young people with skills, confidence and pathways to economic independence. This transformation is at the heart of renewed government efforts to invest in the country’s youth, whose potential will shape Botswana’s future.

On January 20, Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs together with  Lucara Botswana signed of a  five-year partnership through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at translating policy into community impact.

The  MoU covers digital skills, entrepreneurship, Information and Communication Technology, sports and arts.

Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs said youth centres must no longer be places where young people simply pass time but should be places where futures are built.

The move comes against a demographic backdrop in which citizens aged 18 to 35 make up 30 per cent of the population, according to the 2022 Housing and Population Census. Minister Chombo noted that this youthful demographic presents both an opportunity and a responsibility that could not be ignored.

Traditionally viewed as venues for sport and leisure, youth centres across Botswana will now be repositioned as safe, inclusive spaces that provide life skills, training and support. The planned refurbishment and construction of youth centres, particularly in marginalised communities, will strengthen programmes focused on entrepreneurship, employability and innovation, enabling young people to turn ideas and talent into sustainable livelihoods.

Ms Chombo also emphasised the need for youth development to be understood through a gender lens. Census data shows that Botswana’s population remains skewed towards females, with a sex ratio of 95 males to 100 females. In addition, 44.5 per cent of households are headed by women, many supporting larger families.

“These realities demand development interventions that are inclusive, gender-responsive and socially grounded,” she said.

In Botswana, she said being the third most populated village, Molepolole was highlighted as a key beneficiary of the initiative. With a population of 74 719 and an estimated 22 415 residents, she said Molepolole fell within the youth age group.

“The envisaged youth centre in the village is expected to support young people navigating the transition from education to employment. The facility will offer leadership development, career guidance, social skills training and psychosocial support, while promoting positive relationships and community engagement,” she added. 

Additionally, Ms Chombo said youth mental and emotional well-being would be central to programming, ‘with mentorship and counselling services providing support amid mounting social and economic pressures’.

Ms Chombo said youth empowerment was closely linked to national security and social cohesion. When young people are meaningfully engaged, they become agents of peace, reform and innovation.

Lucara Botswana managing director, Ms Naseem Lahri expressed delight that Lucara Botswana remained committed to delivering lasting and sustainable benefits to communities in its areas of operation. 

“This is an impactful strategic partnership. I see a lot of impact coming out of this MoU, as a lasting value and it will reflect our commitment interms of what we bring for the youth in an impactful manner,” she added.

The MoU is meant to facilitate and develop a framework for cooperation in youth and gender empowerment and development to advance and accelerate efforts toward youth and gender empowerment and development.

Furthermore, the cooperation, in the context of the MoU, also includes partnership in the construction and commissioning of state of the art facility for operational spaces, capacity building, digital skills, counselling services, entrepreneurship, Information and Communication Technology, sports and arts. ENDS