Briefing Paper

How Policymakers can Tackle the Youth Unemployment Crisis in Gabane, Botswana

Unemployment in Botswana is relatively high (23%) and even higher for youth (26%) using the narrow definition of unemployment. Despite the concerted efforts of the government of Botswana, uptake of youth employment programmes remains relatively very low. While the ups and downs an economy goes through inevitably affect the job opportunities available, an individual’s characteristics, such as their gender, level of education, skill set, and age are important factors too. These characteristics influence who moves into particular jobs, and the likelihood that individuals will lose and/or find work.