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. 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).
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.
Hon. Kenewendo is a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Trade Advisory Group and is recognized as a WEF Young Global Leader. She has also contributed to the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council.
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.