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From personal triumph over cancer to international recognition, Dr Ngwao Ngwako is Botswana’s 2026 Rhodes Scholar, poised to advance youth-led research initiatives.

From surviving cancer to shaping global medical research, Dr Ngwao Ngwako, a 2024 University of Botswana (UB) graduate, has emerged as a beacon of hope and determination. She is currently serving as a Medical Officer under the Greater Gaborone District Health Management Team, rotating through 16 clinics. At just 26, the Bobonong native is set to join the University of Oxford in October 2026 as a Rhodes Scholar, one of the world’s most prestigious postgraduate fellowships. Her journey is a demonstration of resilience, vision and an unwavering commitment to transforming adversity into opportunity.

Dr Ngwao’s love for research began in her first year at UB, sparked by her own battle with cancer. Starting as a research assistant under her lecturers’ guidance, she quickly moved to designing her own studies. By her third year, she had launched a project on specialty preferences among medical students which led to her first publication in the International Medical Students Journal. Today, she boasts five (5) internationally recognised publications, each reflecting a deep commitment to advancing health research.

Her work has consistently transcended academics. In 2021, Dr Ngwao examined challenges faced by young people living with HIV at the Botswana Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence. Her findings earned her an invitation to present in Denver, Colorado. That same year, she contributed to a panel for the Botswana-UPenn Partnership’s 20th Anniversary, discussing the development of future health leaders and change agents.

Paediatric oncology is a cause particularly close to her heart. Following her own cancer treatment in 2018 which resulted in the loss of her right eye, Dr Ngwao initiated the “Survivor’s Narrative” project to document cancer survivors’ stories. The narratives were later included in a study on distress and video storytelling among survivors in Botswana, demonstrating her focus on research that directly benefits her community.

Her leadership extends beyond research. For four (4) consecutive years, Dr Ngwao served as Class Representative, advocating for improved learning environments and mental health support. In her role as Youth-lead Ambassador for Botswana, she has empowered young people to initiate education and creativity-driven projects across the country.

Accolades have followed her dedication. Dr Ngwao was nominated for the Student Research Award and Trainee Research Award, securing third place in the former and earning the opportunity to present at the International Paediatric Conference in India. She also co-authored a research abstract accepted for the World Cancer Conference in Geneva, cementing her influence in global medical research circles.

The Rhodes Scholarship, administered by the Rhodes Trust at the University of Oxford, seeks scholars who combine academic excellence with leadership and a commitment to societal impact. Dr Ngwao is the sole recipient from the Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and eSwatini (BLMNS) region for 2026. Sir Rick Trainor, Interim Warden of the Rhodes Trust, praised the 2026 cohort: “We are delighted to introduce scholars who represent cultures and perspectives from every corner of the world. We look forward to seeing the positive contributions they will make through their studies and initiatives.”

The Rhodes Trust, based at Rhodes House in Oxford, supports a global family of fellowship programmes. Beyond the Rhodes Scholarship, it has founded the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, the Atlantic Institute, Schmidt Science Fellows, Rise and Oxford Next Horizons. Each initiative empowers emerging leaders to foster fairer, healthier and more inclusive societies. Its network spans thousands of alumni and scholars worldwide, united by the goal of creating lasting positive impact.

For Dr Ngwao, Oxford is both a personal milestone and a launchpad for broader ambitions. From her first research project at UB to the global stage, she exemplifies the power of perseverance, vision and determination to make a meaningful difference. Her trajectory underscores how personal experience, academic dedication and a commitment to community service can intersect to create extraordinary impact.

Consequently, Dr Ngwao is more than a scholar. She is a beacon for young Batswana. Her journey demonstrates that courage and purpose can break barriers, inspire change and place Botswana firmly on the global map of research and innovation.