Finally, Africa is beginning to arise as thirty (30) years old Bogolo Joy Kenewendo becomes Botswana’s recently appointed Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.
She is one of the ministers appointed by Botswana’s new president Mokgweetsi Masisi; who in his inaugural address pledged to invest in the youth and create job opportunities for them.
This appointment came exactly two years after she was appointed by the former president Ian Khama as a member of parliament.
Kenewendo holds an MSc in International Economics from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom and was a recipient of a prestigious Chevening Scholarship in 2012.
She 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 has previously worked as a trade economist in the Ministry of Trade and Industry in the Government of Ghana.
When she is not making history as a young achiever, Kenewendo spends her time travelling, doing yoga, and reading. She has previously said ‘a tall glass of wine with a friend always does the trick’.
The youthful minister is passionate about development, poverty eradication, reducing inequalities and empowering women and youth.
