Legacy

The pursuit of youth empowerment is woven into Botswana’s national fabric. From the post-independence era of building institutions to the current digital age, the nation has consistently invested in its human capital. Initiatives like the Youth Development Fund (YDF), the National Internship Programme and Tirelo Sechaba (National Service) have laid crucial groundwork. Yet, the evolving global economy—marked by technological disruption, climate transition, and new work models—demands a renewed, radical, and collaborative approach.

Internationally, the dialogue has shifted from simply creating jobs to fostering ecosystems that enable youth to create opportunities. YES 2026 builds upon this global legacy, drawing inspiration from successful models worldwide, while tailoring solutions to the unique strengths and opportunities of the Southern African region. We stand on the shoulders of past efforts to launch a future-focused offensive against unemployment.