Botswana’s phenomenal economic growth rates are driven largely by the mineral sector. However, high
growth rates have not created sufficient jobs because of the enclave / structural nature of the country’s
economy. The 2009/10 Botswana Core Welfare Indicators Survey (BCWIS) put the national unemployment
rate at 17.8%. However, unemployment in Botswana is more intense amongst the youth who accounts for
41.4% and 34% (of the total unemployed) for age groups 15-19 and 20-24, respectively. These figures
suggest that youth unemployment is a major socio-economic problem. Using trends in youth unemployment
in Botswana, this paper examines the economic and political implications of the standing problem of youth
unemployment in Botswana. It reviews existing youth programmes, in particular the Internship Programme,
and draws lessons from other countries in terms of how the programme can be made more effective as a
way of easing youth unemployment in the country.