MPs warn against “Paper promises”
Pini Bothoko | Monday April 20, 2026 06:00
Parliament this week unanimously approved the policy and its implementation plan, marking what the government describes as a significant step towards advancing youth development, inclusion and empowerment. However, MPs across the political divide stressed that adoption alone is not enough, arguing that the real test lies in execution.
Several legislators voiced concern that Botswana has historically developed strong policies that ultimately remain ineffective due to weak implementation mechanisms. They cautioned that policies are often not legally binding on implementers, making it difficult to enforce delivery and measure progress.
The MPs challenged Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Lesego Chombo, to prioritise implementation and ensure that the policy produces visible results for young people.
They urged the minister to urgently address key issues affecting youth, including high unemployment, limited access to land, teenage pregnancy, and barriers to entrepreneurship. They also called for the establishment of cooperatives and the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder young people from starting businesses.
The Legislators warned that today’s youth are increasingly frustrated and impatient with unfulfilled promises, stressing that failure to act could deepen discontent.
Tati East MP, Tlhabologo Furniture, said young people have placed their trust in the minister, expressing hope that her leadership will translate into meaningful change.
He emphasised that the youth should not be viewed as a burden on the economy but rather as a critical force in driving national development. Furniture urged the government to align the policy with the real needs and aspirations of young people.
“With this policy, the government should focus on youth's needs and the challenges they currently face. I am encouraged that you have acknowledged existing gaps, but young people today are informed, intelligent and unafraid to hold leaders accountable. The focus must now be on implementation,” he said.
Furniture also highlighted the country’s slow progress in economic diversification, calling on the minister to intensify efforts to create sustainable employment opportunities. He dismissed claims of a mismatch between skills and available jobs, arguing instead that the core issue is the lack of job creation.
Lentsweletau/Lephepe MP, Tshenolo Bogatsu, echoed similar sentiments, noting that youth policies are not new in Botswana and that previous efforts failed due to poor implementation.
He pointed to recent youth demonstrations as a clear indication of growing dissatisfaction.
“The protests we are seeing are a sign that young people are unhappy. If their concerns are not addressed, the situation could escalate. Youth today are bold and demand action. We must create opportunities that enable them to participate in production and create jobs,” he said.
Kgalagadi North MP, Reason Lekutlane, highlighted the unique challenges faced by young people in remote areas, saying they are disproportionately affected by underdevelopment and limited opportunities.
He noted that many youth in his constituency have low levels of education, making them more vulnerable to unemployment and poverty. Lekutlane said a significant number depend on the government’s Ipelegeng programme as their only source of income.
“These young people need exposure and targeted empowerment initiatives. The ministry must design interventions that respond to the realities of rural youth,” he said.
Selebi Phikwe West MP, Reuben Kaizer, raised concerns about the leadership structure within the ministry, arguing that it is dominated by older officials who may not fully understand the evolving needs of young people.
He also criticised the quality of training offered in some institutions, saying many courses in colleges, brigades and vocational centres are not accredited.
Kaizer revealed that although over 2,000 young people are employed in his constituency, more than 300 are underemployed, calling on the ministry to improve job quality and expand opportunities.
Kgalagadi South MP, Tokyo Modise, said high unemployment is taking a psychological toll on young people, with many experiencing stress and depression after failing to secure jobs despite being qualified.
“Our policies must include clear implementation plans and timelines. High unemployment has forced many young people to accept jobs they are not trained for,” he said.
Assistant Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Augustine Nyatanga, said the policy should be used as a tool to thoroughly assess the challenges facing youth and address them holistically.
He expressed concern over the high number of young people in prisons, describing it as an indication of deeper social problems.
“We must understand the root causes, including upbringing and social conditions. Engage young people directly, listen to their experiences in order to deliver what they want. Communities should also establish vocational centres to empower those who do not progress academically,” he said.
Mogoditshane East MP, Letlhogonolo Barongwang, emphasised the need for tailored approaches, noting that challenges faced by urban youth differ significantly from those in rural areas.
He welcomed the policy’s focus on independence but stressed the importance of promoting entrepreneurship, especially as the government struggles to create sufficient employment.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Chombo said the new policy marks a shift from traditional advocacy to a rights-based approach focused on tangible empowerment and active participation.
She explained that the policy is designed to equip young people with practical tools, platforms and support systems to navigate modern challenges while fostering leadership and economic inclusion.
Chombo highlighted several institutional reforms introduced under the policy, including the proposed Youth Development Act, the revitalisation of the Botswana National Youth Council, the establishment of a National Youth Commission and the creation of a Youth Parliament.
“These reforms are intended to institutionalise youth representation and ensure accountability across all sectors. We have recognised that in the past, youth issues remained stagnant because policies were not implemented. The new commission will ensure that all stakeholders are held accountable,” she said.
The minister acknowledged that unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing young people, revealing that approximately 60 percent are not in employment, education or training.
She said government is reviewing the Youth Development Fund (YDF) after discovering that many funded projects were poorly monitored thus failing to neither empower them nor succeed.
Chombo also emphasised the policy’s gender-responsive approach, noting that young women are disproportionately affected by unemployment and social challenges such as teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence.
“Although girls often perform better academically, they face greater barriers in accessing opportunities. This policy ensures that they are not left behind in economic empowerment initiatives,” she said.
She assured Parliament that her ministry is committed to taking services closer to young people and addressing their challenges in a comprehensive and inclusive manner.
While the adoption of the National Youth Policy 2026–2036 has been widely welcomed, MPs made it clear that expectations are high. For many, the policy represents a critical opportunity to turn the tide on youth unemployment and unlock the potential of Botswana’s young population provided it is implemented with urgency, accountability and measurable results.