Young Minds Africa

20/08/2026

Something BIG is Coming 🇿🇲✨

Over the past week, the Young Minds Africa and the Girls Gone Political team have been on the ground meeting with key stakeholders, building partnerships and laying the groundwork for our Quota-To-Leadership Program.

Today, we had the privilege of visiting the Botswana High Commission in Zambia, where we presented the vision behind the program and explored opportunities for collaboration.

This is more than a program. It’s about preparing a new generation of leaders to step into spaces that have historically been out of reach.

The conversations have started.
The partnerships are taking shape.
And the work begins soon.

Zambia, get ready. 🇿🇲

Quota-To-Leadership is coming… and you’ll want to watch this space. 👀

23/06/2026

23/06/2026

Our Operations Director , Today, representing the collective civil society position at the "Bridging the Gap" Joint Oversight Workshop. Following two months of dedicated consultations launched in April, he presented our recommendations on strengthening Parliament–CSO engagement to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Keorapetse, Deputy Speaker Manyeneng, and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Saleshando and MPs present .At Young Minds Africa, we believe that refining Standing Orders and fostering collaborative oversight is essential to building a more participatory and accountable democratic future for Botswana.

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦 “𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗔𝗣” 𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣

20/06/2026

Following our Public Lecture for The Day of The African Child with the theme : Ensuring universal access to water , sanitation and hygiene for every child in Africa;

Please join us as we further localize this important and timely discussion this Monday hosted by Bokamoso Resilience Initiative.

Register on this link :

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81092459248?pwd=F1Sla4ZpkNUjDYFVDnokK6t7i5O95k.1

Invitation to Webinar on Microplastics :Protecting Botswana’s Water: A Call to Action 🇧🇼

Did you know that microplastics have been found in Gaborone Dam and several water ways in Botswana.

Recent studies show that microplastics are accumulating in Botswana’s primary dams and the Okavango Delta, making their way into the food chain and posing risks to public health. It’s time to move from awareness to action .

The Bokamoso Resilience Initiative is hosting a webinar to unpack the latest research and discuss how we can secure our water supply. Whether you are a student, a policy maker, or a concerned citizen, your voice matters in this dialogue.

Webinar Highlights:

🔹 Expert insights on trophic transfer to human health.
🔹 Discussions on legal architectures for plastic waste governance.
🔹 Roadmap for policy change and circular economy solutions.

🗓 Save the date: Monday 22nd June , 10:00 to 12:00 CAT

🔗 Register now: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rlM1W62RRmGpkk8o2T3Uww

Please share this post to help us spread awareness across Botswana!

15/06/2026

🚨 FINAL CALL! 🚨

Applications for the Model Parliament Africa: Public Policy Labs close TODAY!

Don’t miss this opportunity to build your understanding of public policy, governance, and civic leadership.

Apply now: https://forms.gle/FYN1zfLQ5GGHchWM7

⏰ Deadline: 15 June 2026

12/06/2026

⏰ REMINDER: Applications for the Public Policy Labs 2026 close on 15 June 2026!

If you’re a young person in Botswana aged 18–35 and interested in understanding policies, laws, governance, and the Constitution, this opportunity is for you.

✅ Free 6-week programme
✅ Learn from experts
✅ Receive an e-certificate

Apply now before the deadline:
https://forms.gle/FYN1zfLQ5GGHchWM7

09/06/2026

📢 Applications Now Open: Model Parliament Africa – Public Policy Labs 2026!

Are you passionate about governance, leadership, public policy, or civic engagement? Join the Public Policy Labs, a 4-week civic learning experience designed to help young people understand policies, laws, strategies, and the Constitution in practical and engaging ways.

Through interactive sessions, participants will explore:
✅ How public systems work
✅ How citizens can influence decision-making
✅ How to communicate civic information effectively
✅ The role of young people in shaping Africa’s future

Who can apply?
🔹 Young people aged 18–35 years
🔹 Individuals interested in governance and civic issues
🔹 Applicants with access to a smartphone or laptop for virtual sessions

📅 Application Deadline: 15 June 2026

🔗 Apply here: 

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your civic leadership skills and become part of a growing network of young changemakers across Africa.

YMA is dedicated to the pursuit of sustainable, unilateral prosperity and equality through youth and women driven based solutions on civic participation and economic empowerment.

04/06/2026

The Young Minds Africa represented by our , Operations Director Kago Timothy Mweemba just wrapped up an impactful training on Strategic Advocacy and Parliamentary Engagement! This workshop is part of the vital "Bridging the Gap" project by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Botswana and BCPI, supported by the European Union in Botswana.

For Young Minds Africa, this experience provided a a platform for knowledge sharing shaped by our Model Parliament program which considers gender responsiveness in institutions such as the National Assembly and collective advocacy in governance and economic empowerment over the last decade .

On both days we led in consolidation of the submissions from the Governance thematic area .

Glad to be playing our part in building a blueprint for navigating parliament, driving systemic reform, and advancing inclusive governance.

Key Governance Highlights :

Structural Reform & Gender Mainstreaming: Analyzing Botswana’s political disparities, like the 9% female representation in Parliament—to advocate for a more inclusive democracy.

Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB): Analyzing national budgets to ensure they equitably address the needs of all gender groups.

Overcoming Policy Barriers: Utilizing evidence-based policy briefs and parliamentary committee submissions to navigate political party caucus restrictions.

Mastering Negotiation: Deploying high-level interpersonal skills and identifying our BATNA to secure durable policy commitments.

Thank you to FES Botswana and partners for creating a platform for institutional transformation .

BWParliament
Botswana Centre for Public Integrity

07/05/2026

📢 *Calling all vocal citizens in Gaborone!*

Want to share your views on Botswana politics? 🇧🇼

Join our *focus group discussion* 🗣️

✔️ 18+
✔️ Botswana citizen
✔️ Based in Gaborone Central
✔️ Available: 16/05/2026

🍴 Refreshments provided
🔒 100% anonymity guaranteed

📞 Register now: +267 75515503

Don’t miss out — your voice matters!

04/05/2026

Bridging the Gap: Youth Voices at the Heart of Governance! 🇧🇼

We are thrilled to announce that Young Minds Africa is officially part of a transformative milestone for Botswana’s democracy ! The launch of the “Bridging the Gap Between Parliament and Civil Society” project marks the beginning of a two-year journey toward a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable legislative process.

During the launch, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the EU Ambassador emphasized a truth we hold dear: Mutual accountability is impossible without the active participation of Civil Society, we also interacted with youth at the World Cafe held at Diamond Square, Main Mall .

For YMA, this isn't just a project it’s a seat at the table. Over the next two years, we will be utilizing these new structured platforms to ensure that youth-led environmental and social concerns aren't just heard, but are translated into meaningful policy outcomes.

Stay tuned as we embark on this journey of impact!