A majority of Batswana say the country needs to listen more to fresh ideas from young people, the latest Afrobarometer survey shows. But elders aren’t so sure.
While young Batswana overwhelmingly believe their ideas need to be heard if the country is to advance, older citizens say more attention needs to be paid to the wisdom of the elders.
Batswana are divided as to whether they should pay higher taxes to support programs to help young people, but job creation is a clear priority for additional government investment, the survey shows.
Youth (ages 18-35) make up more than 60% of Botswana’s population and have been particularly hard hit by unemployment. President Mokgweetsi Masisi has promised to make youth empowerment and development his regime’s flagship program.