Bogolo Joy Kenewendo returns as Minister in Botswana’s new, ‘youthful’ Cabinet, here is why Africa needs leaders like her
In a welcome return to political office, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo has been appointed Minerals and Energy Minister in Botswana’s new government which is being heralded as a beacon of hope for inclusive governance and transformative leadership in Africa. Sarah Banda reports on this young trailblazer’s remarkable leadership journey.
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo is no stranger to NewAfricanWoman readers. She is a staple. We first interviewed her back in 2018 when at only 30 years old she became Botswana’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry – making her one of Africa’s few young and female government ministers on a continent that routinely sidelines them. She not only became a role model to her peers, but her appointment helped shatter stereotypes in a political landscape historically dominated by older, male figures.
In our interview, she did not mince her words: “I think we have to change the narrative around young and women leaders…I’ve often been asked, ‘what are the disadvantages of being a young woman leader?’. Why should I give a disadvantage of being me? It is ridiculous. Nobody has asked what the disadvantages of being an old male are. And this is asked as if to imply I do not belong in this space and I strongly beg to differ…“We tend to sell ourselves short as women in general.”
She went on to serve in that portfolio until 2020. In June 2022, she was appointed as the first Africa Director for the United Nations Climate Change Champions – a leading role in which she was remitted to focus on Pan-African development especially in sustainable trade and investment, as well as helping to accelerate innovation across the continent.
Bogolo’s re-entry into Botswana’s cabinet is therefore unsurprising and has been widely and warmly received on a continent still grappling with immense gender inequality.
Unwavering commitment
In her first ministerial role, Bogolo garnered widespread attention, not just for her age and gender but for her unwavering commitment to tackling the daunting task of fostering economic diversification in a nation heavily reliant on its diamond wealth, and thereby, reshaping Botswana’s economy.
While diamonds have been the backbone of Botswana’s economy, their finite nature has long posed challenges for sustainability. Her tenure saw the introduction of groundbreaking policies to support local entrepreneurship, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and investor-friendly reforms.
One of her hallmark achievements was streamlining business registration processes, decentralizing services, and empowering rural economies. These initiatives enabled local entrepreneurs to access opportunities that were previously out of reach – a vital step in creating a more inclusive economy.
During her time as minister, Bogolo’s team also introduced reforms aimed at enhancing Botswana’s global competitiveness. By championing initiatives that foster ease of doing business, she laid the groundwork for a more diverse economic structure. Her focus on enabling entrepreneurship through simplified processes not only encouraged investment but also empowered young entrepreneurs to dream bigger.
A Visionary Returns
Bogolo’s reappointment is timely, as Botswana continues its urgent pursuit of economic diversification. Her return also comes at a time the country is seeking innovative strategies to reduce dependency on diamond revenues and transition into a knowledge-driven economy.
Her strategic focus is likely to centre on building sustainable economic frameworks that leverage local capacity, foster regional integration, and promote inclusivity, as well as balancing Botswana’s economic priorities in regional trade blocs such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A champion of Women and Youth Empowerment
But Bogolo’s influence extends beyond politics. She is also a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment and youth leadership. In her view and as she has often emphasised, “Leadership is not about age or gender…it’s about capability and vision. We need to reframe how we view young women in leadership and focus on the value they bring.” It is such ethos that underscore her determination to inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders.
As the co-founder of the Molaya Kgosi Trust, a platform for mentoring and equipping young women with critical skills and networks to excel in leadership roles, it is clear that Bogolo’s advocacy is rooted in her belief that inclusivity and women’s representation are essential for sustainable development.
Through the Molaya Kgosi Trust, Bogolo has inspired countless young women to break barriers and challenge traditional gender norms. Her mentorship programs focus on equipping participants with the tools to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and resilience.
“There is an urgent need to ensure that women and youth are meaningfully involved in decision-making processes,” she is on record as stating.
She also recognises that empowering women is not just a matter of equality but a practical step toward enhancing economic productivity and social stability.
Building on a Legacy
Bogolo’s leadership style is marked by humility, optimism, and an unwavering focus on delivering results. Her ability to navigate complex policy environments while maintaining a connection with ordinary citizens has earned her widespread respect.
Her legacy as a transformative leader is already taking shape. By championing reforms that promote local businesses and foster economic inclusivity, she is redefining what it means to lead in modern Africa. Her commitment to action, even in the face of adversity, serves as an enduring reminder of the power of perseverance.
Her emphasis on local consumption has also played a pivotal role in shifting mindsets. She has been vocal about the need to embrace Botswana-made products and services, arguing that this shift is crucial for sustainable economic growth. Her advocacy for using purchasing power to support local industries highlights her practical approach to economic transformation.
Looking to the future
Bogolo’s uplifting story is one of resilience, vision, and relentless determination, as it is of a deep understanding of Botswana’s unique challenges and opportunities. But her return to government is more than a political milestone—it is a reaffirmation of the power of transformative leadership. Her journey from a young economist to a trailblazing minister serves as an inspiration to millions of young Africans. She represents a new generation of leaders who are redefining what it means to lead with purpose.
And as she gets back to ministerial duties, Africa and the world at large have – once again – their gaze on her, with the hope that her pragmatic approach to economic transformation, diversity and inclusion will yield expected results. In Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Africa has a leader who embodies the spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and hope. A rising Africa needs leaders like her.
