Lesego Chombo
Motswana politician, attorney and beauty pagaent title holder
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Lesego Chombo (born 30 July 1998) is a Motswana politician, attorney, philanthropist, and former beauty pageant titleholder. She is currently serving as Botswana’s Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs since November 2024, making her the youngest person to hold a ministerial post in the country’s history. Before entering formal politics, Chombo practiced law and gained national and international recognition through her achievements in beauty pageants, including winning Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2023/24. During her tenure in pageantry, she launched the Lesego Chombo Foundation (LCF), a philanthropic organization aimed at empowering disadvantaged youth and underserved communities. Through the LCF, she initiated The Genesis Project, which focuses on holistic youth development by promoting education, skills training, mental health support, and access to resources for economically marginalised children and young people. The foundation has also mobilised corporate partnerships and community stakeholders to expand impact and sustainability. Chombo’s multifaceted career, spanning law, advocacy, community development, and public service, reflects her commitment to social equity and leadership for youth and women across Botswana and the African continent.
Lesego Chombo | |
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| Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs of Botswana | |
| Assumed office 11 November 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Tumiso Rakgare (Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 30, 1998 |
| Citizenship | Botswana |
| Parent(s) | Othusitse Motswanageng Chombo and Ditebo Chombo |
| Education | University of Botswana |
Early life and education
Born in Shorobe, a village in Botswana’s North-West District, Lesego Chombo grew up in a culturally rich community. Despite economic challenges, she excelled academically and showed early leadership potential. Her dedication to social justice led her to pursue a law degree at the University of Botswana.[1] While studying, she became actively involved in student organizations and community projects, which laid the groundwork for her commitment to using her legal expertise to advocate for equity and justice. She has experience practising as an Attorney at Law for two years prior to her journey in the world of beauty pageants.[2]
Career
Legal profession
After completing her studies, Chombo launched her legal career with an internship at Baliki Corporate Law. She later joined Kebabonye Business Law, eventually becoming an associate. Her aspirations include establishing her own law firm to empower marginalized communities by providing accessible legal services. Chombo’s work in law has been defined by her focus on community advocacy and social justice, earning her recognition as a transformative leader in the legal field. In November 2024, President Duma Boko nominated her to the National Assembly, where she was subsequently appointed Minister for Youth and Gender Affairs.[3]
Beauty and fashion
Chombo's journey in beauty pageants began with her win in the Queen Esther competition in 2012. Her advocacy for gender equality and education gained momentum when she was crowned Miss Women Empowerment in 2017. In 2022, her national prominence grew after winning the Miss Botswana title. Her achievements in 2024 as Miss World Africa spotlighted her ability to use her platform to address critical developmental issues across Africa.
Political career
Lesego was inducted to the National Assembly of Botswana as a specially elected MP.[A] on 7 November 2024.[4][5] Her appointment to the position of Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs was announced by President Duma Boko on 11 November 2024; she became the youngest person to hold ministerial office, at age 26.[3]