Lesego Chombo made history as Botswana’s youngest minister, taking office at the age of 26. Chombo was appointed by Botswana President Duma Boko as the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs in November last year.
Days before her ministerial appointment, Chombo had been nominated to sit as a Member of Parliament (MP), a role that was validated by the National Assembly on November 6.
On November 8, Lesogo was sworn in, and officially took her place among Botswana’s elected representatives, becoming the youngest parliamentarian in the country’s history.
Lesego Chombo: Botswana’s Youngest Minister at 26
Later, on November 11, 2024, President Boko appointed her, along with five others, as his cabinet ministers, making history as Botswana’s youngest cabinet minister.
But beyond the excitement of her rise from Miss World Africa to politics, she faces the tough challenge of tackling gender-based violence and breaking stereotypes about young women in leadership.
Lesogo shared how her journey to the Miss World stage prepared her for public service.
“As women, we face so many pressures. A woman cannot do this. A woman can’t be young and in leadership. I’m currently facing that,” she said in an interview with BBC.
“I think that when you do something and you do it so well, you being a woman and you being young can never be enough to stop It hurts to know that it could be me next.”
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Lesego Chombo is deeply passionate about mental health and promoting positive masculinity to ensure that patriarchal culture does not perpetuate violence.
Modelling Career
In 2022, she successfully ran for Miss Botswana and was crowned the winner, captivating the nation with her intellect and commitment to addressing pressing social issues.
During her journey in the Miss Botswana competition, she introduced the Genesis Project as part of her Beauty with a Purpose campaign.
The project focused on providing wellness for children, covering their home, family, school, and overall environment. Lesego toured Botswana, especially her place of origin, Maun – Shorobe, to promote the initiative.
In 2024, she earned global recognition as Miss World Africa 2024, where she continues to advocate for women’s empowerment, education, and sustainable development across Africa.
Chombo is also renowned for her dedication to justice and community empowerment.
She uses her platform as Miss World Africa to push for positive change and is the founder of the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which supports disadvantaged youth through initiatives like The Genesis Project.
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Education and Awards
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the university, which she completed between 2015 and 2020. Her practical experience includes internships at Baliki Corporate Law and Kebabonye Business Law, where she eventually became an associate.
Her legal career focuses on championing the rights of women, youth, and marginalized communities.
In August 2024, Lesego won the “Woman of the Year” and “Favorite Personality of the Year” awards at the Women’s Awards Botswana 2024.
Lesego Chombo was in September 2024 was awarded the Presidential Order of Meritorious Service by former Botswana President, Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi.
Away from her professional life, Lesego enjoys playing the guitar, singing, and is passionate about sports such as baseball and swimming. On her birthday, she hosted a day out for 70 underprivileged children, offering them health checks and a chance to explore musical instruments.
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