FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN BOTSWANA

Abstract

Youth unemployment rates in Botswana remain extremely high and usually exceed the national and adult unemployment rates. This is in spite of Botswana’s famed overall economic growth. This study investigates factors that contribute to youth unemployment in Botswana and how unemployed youth are positioned as agents amidst these. It is based on the analysis of secondary data as well as individual interviews and focus group discussions with unemployed youth in Gaborone and Mogoditshane. Some of the highlights of this research are that poor performance at secondary school, a disconnect between education and labour market, precarious employment, weak networking skills, gender stereotypes, and lack of youth engagement in policy making contribute to youth unemployment. In this case, unemployment cannot solely be understood as the absence of jobs. The youth perceive the labour market conditions as overwhelming their agency. Their strength lies in the potential to articulate ideas that policy makers could use to bring about change. The research suggests, among others, putting in place strategies to create an environment for decent work, motivate students to learn, initiate educational and work programmes to change gender attitudes, and strengthen platforms for youth engagement.