In a landmark move, Botswana has appointed 26-year-old Lesego Chombo as the Minister of Youth and Gender. Chombo, an attorney and former Miss Botswana 2022, recently took the crown as Miss World Africa 2024 and is already making waves in her new political role. Her appointment by newly elected President Duma Gideon Boko is part of an innovative, youthful cabinet reshuffle, drawing admiration and support from across Africa.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Beauty Queen Chombo expressed her excitement: “Today, I am blessed with a role that gives me a greater opportunity to serve young people and to be part of the movement toward a new and better Botswana. I am grateful to serve as the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs. All I have ever longed for was to make people’s lives better in all that I do. Here’s to active and meaningful change.”

This announcement was met with wide acclaim, including words of encouragement from Miss World South Africa, Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg. She emphasized Chombo’s inspiring journey and dedication, saying, “Your work is awe-inspiring, Chombo. I know you’ll be a committed and excellent Minister of Youth.

Here’s to breaking glass ceilings, ending inequality, and erasing stereotypes around pageantry. At Miss World South Africa, we believe in building future leaders, and each finalist embodies the ethos of Beauty With A Purpose. With all my love and support.”

The African Union’s Women, Gender & Youth Directorate also voiced its support on social media, congratulating Chombo and praising Botswana’s progressive leadership. Their statement read, “We commend Botswana, under the leadership of Boko, for giving young people a platform to lead and be at the forefront of policymaking. Congratulations to Chombo on your appointment.”

Lesego Chombo’s appointment is more than a personal milestone—it signals a shift toward youthful, dynamic leadership across the continent. With her commitment to creating positive change, Chombo embodies a new era of African leadership.