Meet Lesego Chombo: Beauty queen, lawyer, Botswana’s youngest minister

Lesego Chombo’s journey from the pageant stage to the halls of political power is a story of purpose, passion, and pioneering achievement. At just 26, the Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024 titleholder made history in November by becoming the youngest cabinet minister in Botswana’s history.

Her appointment as Minister for Youth and Gender by newly elected President Duma Boko came on the heels of a sweeping political change that ended 58 years of continuous rule by the former administration. 

The new president, a Harvard-trained lawyer, has set out to revamp Botswana’s diamond-dependent economy by championing youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship. Chombo is a key figure in this vision.

A Minister Chosen by Merit and Mission

Unlike many of her colleagues in parliament, Chombo did not run for office. She was appointed as a specially elected Member of Parliament—an unexpected twist in her career that she says was sparked by her visibility and activism during her reign as a beauty queen.

Her crowning moment as Miss Botswana launched her into the national spotlight and laid the groundwork for her advocacy work, particularly through the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and families in rural areas. That platform made her a visible and credible voice for social change—an image the new administration sought to harness.

Leading Youth and Gender Reform

Now 27 and an associate at a law firm in Gaborone, Chombo is confronting two of Botswana’s biggest challenges: a youth unemployment rate nearing 28%, and a growing crisis of gender-based violence. With nearly 60% of Botswana’s population under the age of 35, she sees an urgent need to build systems that support young people—not just with opportunity, but with power.

In line with President Boko’s broader anti-corruption agenda, the government is undertaking a 10-month audit of 30 state enterprises to ensure transparency and equitable opportunity. A notable win so far: a partnership with CCI Global from the UAE to establish a business process outsourcing hub in Botswana.

Fighting for Gender Equity

Chombo’s advocacy for gender equity is just as resolute. Citing alarming figures from the UNFPA, she highlighted that over 67% of Botswana’s women have experienced abuse—double the global average. 

Her early months in office were not without controversy. She faced backlash for opposing an opposition motion to establish "peace desks" at police stations and courts for gender-based violence victims. She argued that existing laws already provided for such measures—but emphasized the need for proper implementation and public awareness.

Now, she’s pushing for a dedicated Gender-Based Violence Act to close legal gaps and enhance enforcement. She’s also working across ministries to integrate gender education into school curriculums and family life, stressing the importance of shaping social values early.

PROFILE

Chombo first gained widespread public recognition after being crowned Miss World Africa 2024, following her Miss World 2023 appearance and national victory as Miss Botswana 2022.

Early Life and Education

Born in the village of Shorobe in Botswana’s North-West District, Chombo was raised in a close-knit, culturally rich community. Despite economic limitations, she excelled academically and demonstrated leadership potential from a young age. Driven by a strong sense of justice and a desire to serve her community, she pursued a law degree at the University of Botswana. While in university, she became deeply involved in student leadership and grassroots projects, experiences that would later shape her advocacy work. Before entering the pageant world, she had already practiced law for two years, gaining experience as a dedicated Attorney at Law.

Legal Career

Chombo began her legal journey as an intern at Baliki Corporate Law before joining Kebabonye Business Law, where she rose to the position of associate. Her legal career has been marked by a passion for community empowerment and social equity. With aspirations to establish her own law firm, she envisions offering accessible legal support to marginalized populations. In November 2024, she was nominated as a specially elected Member of Parliament and swiftly appointed Minister for Youth and Gender Affairs, marking a significant shift from the legal field into national governance.

Beauty and Advocacy

Chombo’s path into pageantry started in 2012 when she won the Queen Esther competition. Her advocacy work gained momentum in 2017 after winning Miss Women Empowerment, and she cemented her status as a national icon with her victory in Miss Botswana 2022. Her crowning achievement came in 2024 as Miss World Africa, a title that elevated her platform to champion causes like gender equality, youth development, and educational access across the African continent.

Political Role

As Botswana’s Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Chombo is a key voice in shaping policies that address the nation’s youth unemployment, gender-based violence, and systemic inequality. With more than half of the population under 35, she has emphasized the need for youth-centered reforms and greater inclusion in governance and entrepreneurship. Her appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to refreshing leadership and addressing long-standing social challenges.

Personal Interests

Beyond her professional and political roles, Chombo enjoys music, particularly playing the guitar and singing. She is also an active sports enthusiast who enjoys baseball and swimming. A devout Christian, she attributes her values and sense of purpose to her faith and the strong influence of her mother and mentors.

Philanthropic Work

Chombo is the founder of a charitable foundation dedicated to supporting disadvantaged youth through education and skills development. She also manages Law Talks, an online platform that simplifies legal issues for the general public, helping ordinary citizens navigate complex legal systems with ease.