Parliament has adopted the National Youth Policy 2026-2036 and its Implementation Plan. This represents a defining step forward for young people and serves as a testament to government’s full intent to transform the livelihoods of the youth. 

The National Youth Policy 2026-2036 aims to address the shortcomings of past policies. It aligns itself with Vision 2036, National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12) and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP). 

The framework is anchored on five strategic pillars, with emphasis on digital transformation and economic inclusion. By integrating STEAM and TVET education with AI and innovation, the policy seeks to prepare Botswana’s youth for a technology-driven future while simultaneously fostering entrepreneurial skills and global competitiveness. 

The revised framework also focuses on rights-based empowerment, shifting from mere advocacy to actionable, measurable opportunities in digital skills and health, economic participation, education and skills development as well as strengthening youth participation in governance. 

During the debates, the majority of legislators advocated for the policy to strive for genuine empowerment to ensure that young people participated meaningfully in national development by bridging the gap between education and employment. 

Serowe West MP, Mr Onalepelo Kedikilwe, pleaded with government to enact the establishment of a Children’s Parliament to promote children’s rights and equip them with the concepts of democracy, civilisation and the parliamentary process.

 “The time is epitome for government to upgrade from the current children consultative forum and supplant it with the children’s Parliament to provide the right platform for advocacy of among other things children’s rights, health and education as well as children’s inclusivity in governance,” he said. 

He noted that such a platform would allow children to actualise their potential and contribute actively to the country’s democratic process. Similarly, Francistown West MP, Mr Ignatius Moswaane supported the policy, stating that it would equip youth with multiple skills and provide a platform for their voices to be heard. 

Mr Moswaane also called for the resuscitation of the Youth Development Fund (YDF), saying it was imperative for government to commit to medium-to-long-term interventions to promote youth entrepreneurship. 

Lentsweletau/Lephephe legislator, Mr Tshenolo Bogatsu, emphasised the need for consistent monitoring and mentoring of YDF-funded projects. 

He described frequent monitoring as a key catalyst for broad-based transformation and the creation of new wealth prospects. He cautioned that previous policy failures were often due to a lack of implementation and monitoring.

 “The country’s workforce and policy implementers should be mindful that they are the driving force behind the country’s economic growth as low level of productivity is of less importance to the country regardless of good policy formulations,” he said. 

In his contribution, Kgalagadi North MP, Mr Reason Lekutlane called for regional and tailor-made youth empowerment programmes.

 He argued that the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach of the YDF was not ideal, as geological and economic conditions differed significantly across various regions. ENDS