Post by Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO)Botswana

GAYO Botswana participated in the youth consultative meeting hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs to evaluate the National Human Resource Development Strategy (2009–2022) and contribute to the development of a new transformative framework. The updated strategy will support the National Capital Agenda, high-income status by 2036, and skills development for NDP 12 and the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan. GAYO Botswana was represented by Admin Officer Resego Katlego Sima. Key achievements (2009–2022): · Poverty reduction: 23% to 13% · Primary school enrollment: 85% · Gender parity index: 1.0% · Digital access: 8.7% to 73.5% Persistent challenges: · Youth unemployment: 33%–40% · Skills-industry mismatch · Slow economic diversification · Weak entrepreneurship culture Youth concerns raised: · Accuracy of statistical data on skills development and employment enrollment · Inclusion of rural youth in skills development and employment opportunities GAYO Botswana remains committed to ensuring youth voices shape the policies that affect their futures.