22 Sep 2026

Through technology and innovation, the aviation industry is rapidly changing, presenting new opportunities for young girls not only to become professionals but also to become entrepreneurs, innovators  and creators of employment.

That being so, young girls are encouraged to take education seriously, particularly Sciences, Technology, Mathematics and communication and develop digital skills, creativity, team work and ability to solve problems.

Speaking during the 12th Annual Girls in Aviation Day in Selebi Phikwe Saturday, Minister for Transport and infrastructure Mr Keoagile Atamelang, commented Sedi. Flys Group foundation and stakeholders, for creating the platform that exposed young people to opportunities within the aviation sector. He said, aviation supported approximately eight million jobs across Africa through tourism, supply chains and associated economic activity.

“Aviation is much more than flying aircraft, it offers careers in engineering, air craft management, aviation safety and security, airport operators, logistics, technology, meteorology communications, finance and entrepreneurs,” said Mr Atamelang.

He said government recognised aviation as an important driver of development, as it connected people, supported tourism and trade, created employment and contributed to Botswana’s participation in the global economy.

Mr Atamelang explained that the transport ministry was committed to modernising Botswana’s transport sector and delivering safe, reliable and efficient transportation system. 

Girls in Aviation co-founder, Ms Lesedi Modise, said, the programme was a globally recognised initiative designed to inspire girls between the ages of eight to 18, to pursue careers in aviation.

Ms Modise said working alongside the aviation business stakeholders, they would continue to leverage an international network of aviation professionals, institutions and strategic organisations, to broaden aviation awareness and create meaningful exposure opportunities for young Batswana.

Drones for Africa founder and CEO, Ms Marang Mbaakanyi, encouraged young girls to embrace technology and innovation as a pathway to creating opportunities and contributing to the country’s development.

Ms Mbaakanyi urged young girls to develop an interest in Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and to succeed in traditional male dominated field. She said technology presented numerous opportunities for young people to develop solutions to challenges facing their communities and the country at large.

Ms Mbaakanyi further highlighted the importance of education and continuous learning, noting that the rapidly changing technology sector required people who were willing to adapt and develop skills. ends