On April 2, 2025, UNICEF and the Ministry of Youth & Gender Affairs convened an Inter-Ministerial Meeting on Youth Development at Travel Lodge in Gaborone. The meeting aimed to advance youth development initiatives in Botswana by fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.
Ambassador Nkoloi Nkoloi, Director at the Ministry of Youth & Gender Affairs, emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for young people. He stated, “We seek to create a safe and conducive ecosystem for young people—not just by giving them money, but by equipping them with skills to lead productive and healthy lives, contribute to the economy, and become global citizens.”
A significant focus of the meeting was the development of Botswana’s new National Youth Policy, intended to replace the 2010 version. Ambassador Nkoloi highlighted the urgency of this initiative, noting that the policy is expected to be finalized within the first half of the year.
The Ministry is also undergoing restructuring to enhance service delivery, with plans to position itself as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. Ambassador Nkoloi announced, “In the coming weeks and months, you will see a completely redefined ministry—one that is digitized, innovative, and fully aligned with the needs of young people.”
Samuel Phiri, UNICEF’s Social Policy Manager, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to youth empowerment, stating that development is a continuum that begins with children and extends to young adults.
With over 300,000 young people out of school and unemployed in Botswana, stakeholders at the meeting stressed the urgency of implementing structured interventions to address this challenge. Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs and creating sustainable opportunities were identified as top priorities to prevent a potential “youth-quake.”
