In a stunning journey that has captivated all, Lesego Chombo—beauty queen, lawyer, and now cabinet minister—is redefining what it means to lead. At just 26, Chombo was appointed Minister of Youth and Gender in November by President Duma Boko, becoming the youngest in Botswana’s history to hold such a position.
Her rise from Miss Botswana 2022 to Miss World Africa 2024 wasn’t just about glamor and crowns—it became a platform for activism, advocacy, and change. And now, from the runway to the parliament floor, Chombo is wielding her influence in one of southern Africa’s most significant political shakeups in decades.
A Face of New Botswana
Chombo’s appointment followed a political landslide that ended the 58-year rule of the former party. The new president, Duma Boko—himself a Harvard-trained lawyer—has promised to diversify Botswana’s diamond-reliant economy and empower young people. With 60% of the population under 35 and youth unemployment soaring above 28%, Boko found a fitting face for his mission in Chombo.
“I’ve never been more proud to be young,” Chombo told the BBC, speaking from her office in Gaborone.
Chombo didn’t campaign to be a member of parliament. She was handpicked as a specially elected MP, recognized for her advocacy and leadership. Through the Lesego Chombo Foundation, she has uplifted rural communities by supporting disadvantaged youth and single-parent homes—efforts still ongoing with backing from corporate sponsors.
Turning Beauty Into Impact
While many saw her Miss World journey as the final destination, Chombo says it was merely the beginning. “It was the platform through which I would be seen for this very role,” she reflected.
Now 27 and an associate at a Gaborone law firm, she is steering youth and gender policies with a fresh perspective. Her goal? To create an ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship, strengthens youth-led initiatives, and pushes for inclusion in governance.
A forensic audit of government spending, launched by President Boko, includes scrutiny of 30 state-owned enterprises—one step in tackling corruption and restoring investor confidence. A recent breakthrough was the deal with CCI Global, a UAE-based outsourcing firm, to open a hub in Botswana, boosting youth employment prospects.
The Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
Chombo’s tenure has not been without controversy. Amid a national outcry over gender-based violence—over 67% of women in Botswana report having experienced abuse, according to UNFPA—Chombo was criticized for voting against an opposition motion proposing “peace desks” for victims. She defended the move, stressing that existing legal frameworks need better enforcement, not redundancy.
Following police reports of rape and femicide during the festive season, she reaffirmed her commitment to push for a Gender-Based Violence Act and to integrate gender equity education from early childhood.
“We want to teach children what gender-based violence is and how to prevent it,” she said. “We want to include parents, teachers, and traditional leaders in shaping a safer culture.”
Her advocacy includes men, too. From promoting mental health to positive masculinity, Chombo believes transformation must be holistic.
Redefining Leadership and Legacy
In a society still grappling with gender norms, Chombo knows she’s under a microscope. “A woman can’t be young and in leadership,” she says, citing the scrutiny she faces daily. Yet, she credits her mother and women like Julia Morley, Miss World CEO, for preparing her to break ceilings with both grace and grit.
As she looks ahead, Chombo says her definition of success is simple: “Impact. Tangible impact.”
Her journey, steeped in passion and purpose, is not just an inspiring tale of youthful ambition—it’s a bold reminder that leadership can be beautiful, powerful, and profoundly transformational.
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