Emergency Assist 991 rolls out third edition of Best Young Driver National Competition
Emergency Assist 991 is once again launching the Best Young Driver competition, set to officially kick off tomorrow (18th July 2025). The national initiative aims to reward safe and responsible driving among Botswana’s youth.
This year’s top male and female winners will each receive an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Botswana at the Fédération Internationale de ‘Automobile (FIA) International Best Young Driver Finals in Kenya this November; the first time the finals will be held on African soil. Previous editions were hosted in Austria and Belgium.
Now in its third year, the initiative, launched in 2023, offers a unique platform for licensed drivers aged 18 to 26 to showcase their skills, test their knowledge, and be celebrated for responsible road behavior.
Focused on promoting road safety through positive reinforcement rather than punishment, the national finals are scheduled for October in Gaborone.
“The competition gives young people a platform to showcase their talent while reinforcing a culture of accountability on the roads.
“We believe youth are not just the future, they are today’s solution to road safety,” said Emergency Assist 991 Road Safety Coordinator Paul Setswe.
Applicants will register via the competition portal, undergo a vetting process, and then participate in theory tests and practical driving assessments all aimed at highlighting good driving practices.
Setswe said they’re using a different model to promote road safety, and wanted a competition that encourages and rewards good driving behavior, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
“This mirrors successful models in Sweden and other developed countries,” Setswe explained, adding that this year’s edition promises to be bigger and better, offering national pride and international exposure.
Emergency Assist 991, a member of the FIA since 2010, has an extensive footprint in emergency medical services, roadside assistance, call center operations, and training in health, safety, and driver education across Botswana.
