Africa is a continent known for it’s corrupt and very arcade leaders who have ruled the generation with outdated forms of governing for years but like everything else, their rein most come to an end as a new generation of young minds interested in the way their views are represented and even further young Africans willing to go the extra mile to challenge and take hold of the power that’s been withheld.
Botswana adds their name to the new political generation of Africa as they appoint 30-year-old Bogolo Joy Kenewendo as Botswana’s new Investment, Trade and Industry Minister. Kenewendo joined the Botswana parliament in 2016 as an MP becoming the country’s youngest MP, trained in trade and economic diplomacy. She was brought into the parliament by former president Ian Khama, she got promoted to her new position as Minister by Botswana’s new president Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Facts about the newly appointed minister:
- The youthful minister is passionate about development, poverty eradication, reducing inequalities and empowering women and youth.
- Kenewendo founded Molaya Kgosi, a women leadership and mentorship programme which was inspired by the young African women leaders’ forum which was hosted by Michelle Obama in 2011.
- She was one of two youth delegates to represent Botswana at the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where she presented a statement of African youth to the UN Secretary-General.
- She held the same role as an economist in the Ministry of Trade and Industry in the Government of Ghana.
The young Africans across the continent shared their excitement through twitter.
Our #FierceFemale #SideNotes… @BogoloKenewendo Thank you for continuously & consistently setting the example! A big one for you but for US as well! And thank you @BWGovernment for confirming a truth #TheFutureIsFemale 👑👑👑 pic.twitter.com/HIIXpyAnTR
— Tshepo Ntshole (@Monahali) April 6, 2018
30 years old. Youngest Minister in the newest cabinet. African woman leader. Here is to youth led delivery, youth focused transformation, woman driven change and bringing more on-board.@BogoloKenewendo @OfficialMasisi @BWGovernment pic.twitter.com/kDbCI0gWDa
— Gogontlejang Phaladi (@GogontlejangP) April 5, 2018
We’ll see what the future holds.
I was a ball of emotions upon receiving President Khama’s phone call, It is a call one doesn’t expect but when it comes, you feel grateful and honored that you are not only doing well but being noticed. I now get to serve my country and look forward to being a voice for many more young people out there. I kept my lips sealed about my appointment until I told my parents when the time was right. In the last week, I took the oath of allegiance and gave my maiden contribution in parliament. My phone has never been busier. I am really humbled by all the well wishes. – she told The Voice newspaper on her reaction to becoming a minister.
