How do we do well as the youth in a high unemployment world

Good afternoon! Let’s get into it!

We are in seriously difficult times, and as youth, we’re affected the most. I didn’t know where to look for information to discuss this problem, especially on YouTube or in books that help address the immediate issue in Botswana. So, I asked ChatGPT how to tackle this problem.

Here’s the conversation and reply:

That’s a powerful and timely question — and honestly one that many young Batswana need to hear answered clearly and practically. Let’s break it down properly.

🌍 The Reality

Botswana’s unemployment rate has been hovering between 25–30%, and youth unemployment is even higher. Each year, thousands of graduates enter the market — but the economy doesn’t create enough formal jobs to absorb them.
Government projects, parastatals, and even the private sector can’t employ everyone anymore.

So the question becomes:
What can you do to thrive in an economy that won’t guarantee you a job?

1. Develop Income-Building Skills, Not Just Credentials

Your degree is a foundation, not a guarantee. The skills that pay now are transferable, digital, and entrepreneurial.

✅ Focus on:

• Digital skills: graphic design, coding, animation, video editing, social media management, and data analytics.

• Sales and marketing: learn how to sell, pitch, and communicate value — these skills make you useful in any economy.

• Money and business literacy: understand basic finance, budgeting, investing, and customer value creation.

📈 Why this works:
People who learn practical, marketable skills can create income from anywhere — not just rely on someone to hire them. Botswana has a growing digital economy, and regional work-from-home opportunities are rising.

2. Start Small, But Start — Entrepreneurship Is a Necessity Now

Many successful Batswana didn’t start with big funding. They started with a problem they understood and solved it with what they had.

💡 Start with what’s around you:

• Sell small products online (TikTok, WhatsApp, Facebook Marketplace)

• Offer services like photography, editing, tutoring, cleaning, delivery, social media content creation, or poultry farming

• Build something that can grow slowly and sustainably, not overnight

🔥 Why this works:
Botswana’s economy rewards initiative — even if it’s informal at first. The fastest-growing segment in many countries right now is micro-entrepreneurs, not corporations.

3. Leverage the Internet, Don’t Just Scroll It

You can now earn or learn online — for free or almost free.
Instead of consuming content all day, start creating or upskilling.

Tools like:

• YouTube, Coursera, and Duolingo — for free learning

• LinkedIn — for building a professional brand and networking globally

• TikTok and X (Twitter) — for building a voice, promoting your skill, or business

📲 Why this works:
Many Batswana are already getting clients abroad, freelancing, and selling digital products. You can compete globally from your phone if you’re consistent.

4. Build Networks, Not Just CVs

Botswana is a small country — your network is your net worth.
Most opportunities don’t come from job portals — they come from people who know and trust you.

🧠 Attend events, engage on professional platforms, and collaborate with peers.
Even volunteering can connect you to mentors and business partners.

5. Think Long-Term — Play the 10-Year Game

The economy is shifting. What matters is adaptability, not instant success.
Learn, try, fail, and rebuild fast. If you keep building value — through skills, consistency, and small wins — you’ll eventually do well.

🔑 Proven Mindset Shift:

Those who thrive in this new Botswana economy will be:

• Doers, not complainers

• Learners, not “degree holders only”

• Creators, not job-seekers