YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT.

Article By: Sekhona Muchado

As Botswana grapples with high unemployment, over 40,000 graduates remain jobless—raising fresh concerns about access to public sector jobs.

Speaking to Gabz FM News, several graduates expressed frustration, saying many government job listings require experience beyond what most of them have—despite holding the necessary qualifications and completing internships.

Responding to the concerns, DPSM Senior Assistant Director Tebogo Matshitse clarified that entry-level public service jobs only require relevant qualifications and training, not prior work experience.

Matshitse added that roles requiring extensive experience are meant for senior professionals.

She cited slow economic growth, skills mismatches, and overreliance on public sector jobs as major contributors to youth unemployment, which currently sits at 27.6%.

She said government is working with the private sector, academic institutions, and the Youth Development Fund to expand job opportunities.

According to Statistics Botswana, graduates now make up 13.8% of the unemployed population, fuelling calls for urgent reforms in recruitment and training strategies.