Lesego Chombo is making headlines as the youngest cabinet minister in Botswana at just 27 years old. She is also a beauty queen, having won Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024. This impressive achievement came when she was appointed by newly elected President Duma Boko after his party’s victory, marking a significant political shift in the country.
Chombo, a passionate advocate for youth development and gender equality, declared, “I’ve never been more proud to be young.” She didn't campaign for her parliamentary position but was specially elected, quickly becoming one of only six women in Botswana's 69-member National Assembly. Initially surprised by her appointment, she realized her beauty queen platform helped her gain visibility for this important role.
Her dedication to social change is reflected in the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which supports disadvantaged youth and families in rural Botswana. Chombo acknowledges the challenges her country faces, including high unemployment rates, especially for young people and women. “My desire is to create an environment in which youths can thrive,” she stated.
As she navigates her new political landscape, Chombo also focuses on gender issues. Botswana has alarming rates of gender-based violence, with over 67% of women experiencing abuse. Although criticized for her parliamentary voting on violence prevention measures, she emphasized that awareness and application of existing laws are crucial. She supports implementing a Gender-Based Violence Act and promoting education on equity from a young age.
Chombo draws inspiration from her mother and other strong women, reminding us that societal pressures on women are still pervasive. With the backing of figures like Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World, she promotes the idea of “beauty with a purpose” and social responsibility among youth.
Lesego Chombo understands that her journey is just beginning. “Impact. Tangible impact. That’s what success would look like to me,” she explains. She hopes to leave a legacy that inspires sustainable change in Botswana.
