Government Targets 40% Procurement Quota for Youth and Women

Government Targets 40% Procurement Quota for Youth and Women. The Government of Botswana has announced plans to expand economic opportunities for disadvantaged groups by increasing the public procurement quota reserved for youth-owned, women-owned, and disability-owned businesses from 20 percent to 40 percent.

The announcement was made by Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs Lesego Chombo, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of Minister for State President, Defence and Security Moeti Mohwasa at the ongoing 4th Governance Training 2026, hosted by Exclusive Human Capital Consultancy at Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel Resort.

Chombo explained that the move forms part of broader reforms aimed at promoting inclusivity, accountability, and equitable access to opportunities. She emphasized that the revised National Youth Policy seeks to ensure young people are not only participants in the economy but also active contributors in leadership and decision-making structures.

According to Chombo, Cabinet has already approved the reservation of two board seats for young people across institutions, a measure expected to be formalized through the upcoming Youth Development Act.

“Botswana can no longer continue demanding experience from young people while denying them opportunities to sit at decision-making tables,” Chombo said, noting that many qualified young professionals remain excluded despite significant government investment in education and skills development.

She further highlighted ongoing procurement reforms, including the rollout of the national e-procurement system and tighter expenditure controls, which aim to improve transparency and ensure opportunities reach ordinary citizens fairly.

Chombo stressed that youth inclusion and gender equality are central to Botswana’s development agenda, adding that leadership structures must reflect the country’s population and aspirations for economic transformation.