Take up entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the act of being an entrepreneur, which is a French word meaning "one who undertakes innovations, finance and business acumen in an effort to transform innovations into economic goods".

This may result in new organizations or may be part of revitalizing mature organizations in response to a perceived opportunity.

In Africa, before most of the countries gain independence in the 50s and 60s, to a certain degree, people were engaged in entrepreneurship one way or the other.

However, today it is a different story. This is because most people after successfully completing their education, think of finding a white-collar job, whereby they would be given an air-conditioned office. And, even if they earn less, they still prefer that to being an entrepreneur.

It is also time for people to engage themselves in the micro-finance business, to help the less privilege especially people at the community level.

Most young people, who the continent entirely depend on for its socio- economic development fail to take up entrepreneurship. They term it as a low key job.

But, here in the Gambia, the trend is changing.

Since the government established the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS), most of our youths can now boast of acquiring skills as this make them to contribute positively to the productive sectors of the economy.

The National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI) set up by the Ministry of Youth and Sports is another avenue, whereby youths who have acquired the right skills are now enjoying the fruits of entrepreneurship. The initiative is supporting youths under a loans scheme to invest in areas they feel is good for them, and NEDI is now known across the country.

We wish to commend government for taking up this laudable initiative, as many young people are benefiting from this scheme, and are reaping the benefits.

Indeed, today youths must be deeply involved in entrepreneurship, so as to be able to help address the socio-economic challenges confronting Africans.

"A man's worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions."

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, former Roman Emperor