Biography
Duma Gideon Boko, born on 1 January 1970 in Mahalapye, Botswana, is a prominent lawyer and politician who has served as the sixth President of Botswana from 1 November 2024.
He led An umbrella for democratic change (UDC) since 2012 and previously served as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly from 2014 to 2019. Boko also served as leader of Botswana National Front (BNF) since 2010 and played a pivotal role in the formation of the UDC, uniting Botswana’s main opposition parties.
Boko’s political career includes presidential campaigns in 2014 and 2019, culminating in his historic victory in the 2024 general election. This made him leader of the opposition first to secure the presidency since Botswana’s independence in 1966. His administration represented a significant change in the nation’s political landscape.
Trained in law at University of Botswana And Harvard Law SchoolBoko has combined its legal expertise with a commitment to human rights and social justice. His legal work specifically includes advocating for the rights of the Basarwa (San) people.
Boko’s early life was shaped by his father, an instructor at the Madiba Brigade, who influenced him until his father’s death in 2004. Throughout his career, Boko gained recognition for his dedication to promoting the principles of democracy, equality and social reform in Botswana.
President of Botswana
Duma Boko | |
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Duma Boko: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos | |
Wiki Info & About Data | |
Real name: | Duma Gideon Boko |
Stage name: | Duma Boko |
Born: | December 31, 1969 (54 years old) |
Place of birth: | Mahalapye, Botswana |
Nationality: | Motswana |
Education: | University of Botswana, Harvard Law School |
Height: | not applicable |
Parents: | Gideon Boko |
Siblings: | not applicable |
Couple: | Kaone Boko (d. 2015) |
Girlfriend • Partner: | not applicable |
Children: | Moono Boko |
Job: | Lawyer • Politician |
Net worth: | 2.6 million USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Duma Gideon Boko was born on January 1, 1970 in Mahalapye, Botswana. His early life was marked by the influence of his father, Gideon Boko, an instructor at Madiba Brigades, who died in 2004. This may have shaped Duma’s interest in the law and social justice.
Boko is part of the Kalanga ethnic group, one of the largest in Botswana and known for its cultural and linguistic contributions. He is a Christian, although he does not make his faith central to his political campaigns or public persona. Details about his mother are less public, but she supported his educational pursuits.
Information about Duma Boko’s siblings is not well documented; It is known that he grew up with siblings, but specific details such as names or phone numbers are not widely shared.
Boko completed his primary and secondary education in Botswana, possibly in or near Mahalapye. He has a Bachelor of Laws degree from the school University of Botswana before continuing your studies at Harvard Law Schoolwhere he earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.).
Career
Duma Gideon Boko’s career bridges the legal and political spheres in Botswana. After obtaining a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Botswana and a Master of Laws at Harvard Law SchoolBoko established himself as a prominent legal advocate. His practice focuses on constitutional, commercial and human rights law, with notable achievements including representing the Basarwa (San) people in their legal battle for land rights in the Game Reserve Kalahari center.
Politically, Boko is involved Botswana National Front (BNF) and was elected president in 2010. Under his leadership, An umbrella for democratic change (UDC) was established to unite opposition parties to challenge the long-standing dominance of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). As Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly from 2014 to 2019, Boko strongly criticized government policies on unemployment, corruption and economic diversification.
After running for president in the 2014 and 2019 elections, Boko won a historic victory in the 2024 general election, bringing the UDC to power and becoming the sixth President of Botswana on 1 January. November 2024. His presidency emphasizes economic diversification, job creation, anti-corruption and inclusive growth, heralding an era of transformation in the political and economic trajectory Botswana’s economy after decades of one-party rule.
Social Media
- Wikipedia: Duma Boko
- Instagram: Duma Gideon Boko (@dumagideonbokoofficial)
- Facebook: Duma Gideon Boko
Personal life
Duma Boko has been married to Kaone Boko, nee Mokganedi, since 2015. Kaone, also a lawyer, was a member of the Duma law firm before becoming First Lady of Botswana. They have a son, Moono Boko, born in 2015.
However, as mentioned in a 2019 interview, Duma has nine children from various relationships. Information about Duma Boko’s height is often not detailed in public records.
Net worth
Duma Boko, President of Botswana since November 2024, has an estimated net worth of approximately $2.6 million (USD). This estimate stems from his successful legal career, during which he was a prominent lawyer specializing in human rights, constitutional and commercial law.
His wealth may also include income from his political positions, especially after becoming president, where he earned a significant salary.