Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo is a distinguished leader in economic diplomacy and a prominent advocate for sustainable development and inclusive growth. With a career spanning over 15 years, Hon. Kenewendo’s work encompasses trade and investment, finance and development, public policy, and climate action.
Hon. Kenewendo currently serves as the Cabinet Minister of Minerals and Energy in the Republic of Botswana, leveraging her extensive expertise to advance national priorities in the energy and mining sectors. Her return to the Cabinet builds upon her exceptional contributions as a Specially Elected Member of Parliament and as Cabinet Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry. During her tenure, she implemented comprehensive reforms to enhance Botswana’s business environment, attract foreign investment, and negotiate high-impact trade agreements.
As Chairperson of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Council of Ministers of Trade, Hon. Kenewendo led critical negotiations resulting in key agreements, including the European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the United Kingdom Post-Brexit Agreement, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Her leadership in these negotiations strengthened regional trade cooperation and positioned Botswana as a strategic trade partner.
On the global stage, Hon. Kenewendo has been a pivotal advocate for climate action and sustainable finance. She served as Special Advisor to the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champions for COP27 and COP28, where she championed innovative solutions for unlocking efficient, affordable financing for sustainable development in Africa and emerging markets. Her efforts have supported the establishment of transformative initiatives, such as the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative, the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance, the Africa Climate Risk Insurance Facility for Adaptation, and the Working Group for Sustainability-Linked Sovereign Financing for Nature and Climate. Notably, she has been instrumental in the development of the $20 billion UN Climate Action Projects Compendium.
Hon. Kenewendo’s professional portfolio extends to serving on various corporate and philanthropic boards. She is the Lead Non-Executive Director of the African Continental Free Trade Area Adjustment Fund Corporation, and a member of the Africa Center for Economic Transformation and the Club of Rome. Her prior service includes the Chairperson of Bank Gaborone Board of Directors, membership on the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, the Advisory Group on UN Gender Architecture, and the Financing for Development Group.
Hon. Kenewendo is a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Trade Advisory Group, the WEF Global Future Council on Global Public Goods in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and is recognized as a WEF Young Global Leader. She has also contributed to the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council, advocating for gender equity on an international scale.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hon. Kenewendo is a dedicated mentor and advocate for the rights and economic empowerment of women and youth. She mentors aspiring leaders through initiatives such as the Molaya Kgosi Trust, Young African Trade Experts, and Nala Fem Collective.
Hon. Kenewendo’s exceptional contributions have earned her recognition as one of Africa’s Most Influential People by multiple esteemed publications. In 2022, she was honored by TIME magazine in its prestigious TIME100 Next list, recognizing her as one of the world’s most promising leaders shaping the future of global governance and development.
Her commitment to excellence, sustainability, and equity continues to define her leadership and service to the Republic of Botswana and the global community.