Gloria Somolekae is the Executive Director and Senior Research Fellow of the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis and an Academy Fellow since 2024.

WHO INSPIRED YOU TO ENTER PUBLIC SERVICE?

I was born just a few years following independence in a country that was then one of the poorest countries in the world. The per capita income then was $60. We have foreigners who taught us at University, and I was fascinated by the British and American lecturers who taught us about Development. One specific British man who had been part of the British colonial administration in my country, the late Brian Egner, impressed me a lot with his passion for development and mentorship.

WHAT WAS THE FAVOURITE CLASS YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN OR TAUGHT AND WHY?

I specifically liked 2 classes, namely: Public Policy Analysis and Development Management. The Public Policy class showed clearly why it is usually common to have a gap between policy and intent. I have over the years devoted a lot of energy in addressing this challenge.

ANY ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION?

I would urge them to take this career as a calling because public service is about making one’s contribution to something bigger than yourself. I will make them appreciate that in public service, often times one’s contribution and impact may get lost in the wide area of public good. It shouldn’t discourage one when their own individual footprint seems too much buried in the larger picture.

WHAT AREA OF PUBLIC POLICY INTERESTS YOU THE MOST AND WHY?

I am very interested in how we can ensure always that policy failure does not happen or is minimized. I am keen always to ensure that policies are evidenced-based, and that policy makers and policy experts can work together to achieve this.

FAVORITE HOBBY OR ACTIVITY WHICH YOU REALLY ENJOY?

My favorite hobby is reading. I read a lot and there are lots and lots of books in my house. And I like hosting friends or family for meals.

IS THERE A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATION OR MENTOR?

Growing up, i was inspired by my late grandmother. Hardworking and a strong woman. In my adult and professional life i was inspired by Dr Margret Nasha, the first woman speaker in the parliament of my country Botswana. A principled, strong and brilliant woman.

WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM JOB AS A CHILD?

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher, until I got to university and realized I wanted to be a development practitioner. That is why, after a few years of being a university lecturer, I left to become a fulltime development practitioner working to fight poverty and inequality.