Implications of the internship programme for youth employment in Botswana

Abstract

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.