• In a continent where age seems to be the defining factor for political leadership, there are a few exceptions which youths and feminism advocates in Africa and diaspora would believe should be an example to other African leaders, so as to create a balanced and worthy representation in cabinet.

    We know you are used to seeing and hearing of old leaders in Africa, who appoint ministers in their age bracket. Well, this will wow you!

    Below are 3 of the Youngest Female Ministers in Africa:

    1. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, 31

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    Bogolo Kenewendo was appointed on 4th April 2018 as the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Botswana.

    She was born in Motopi - Boteti Area of Botswana in 1987. She graduated from the University of Botswana with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and obtained a Master of Science in International Economics from the University of Sussex, UK.

    In 2016, Ian Khama - the former president of Botswana nominated Kenewendo to the Parliament as a presidential nominee to parliament of Botswana. 

    On 4 April 2018, the current president, Mokgweetsi Masisi appointed Kenewendo as the new Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry and she was sworn-in the same day.

    2. Kirsty Leigh Coventry, 35

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    Kirsty Leigh Coventry was born on 16th September 1983, she is the Zimbabwean Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation. 

    She is a world record holder in swimming and the most decorated Olympian from Africa. She is a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Chairperson of the IOC Athletes' Commission.

    At the 2004 Summer Olympics, in Athens, Greece, Coventry won three Olympic medals: 1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze, while in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing she won four medals: 1 gold and 3 silver; for which former Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe called her "a golden girl," and awarded her US$100,000 in cash.

    3. Kamissa Camara, 35

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    Kamisssa Camara was born in 1983 in France, she is the Malian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

    Camara holds a Bachelor Degree in Applied Foreign Languages from Université Denis Diderot Masters, France and a Masters in International Economics and Development from Université Pierre Mendès, France.

    Kamissa Camara specializes in African policies, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel. She gained popularity for her understanding and analysis of various issues affecting the Sahel region ranging from governance, conflict, democracy, security, etc. and how they can be solved.

    Before her appointment as minister, she served as the diplomatic adviser to President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. 

    She is the founder and co-chair of the Sahel Strategy Forum, a summit that creates a level platform to stakeholders to interact and promote peace, security and development across the Sahel.

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