As in the past, The Gambia continues to lose its able-bodied youths to either the Sahara Desert or the Mediterranean Sea in their attempt to seek greener pastures in the West. This is indeed worrying.
We can make Africa even greener to the envy of the world, provided our leaders put in place sound policies and improve the living standards of its citizens.
Research has revealed that one factor forcing thousands of these youths on these perilous journey, is lack of jobs and better prospects in the country.
With its vast natural resources, Africa continues to lag behind other continents with little or no natural resources.
The continent has what it takes to provide enough food and better the living conduction of its citizens. However, poor leadership, greed and corruption continue to undermine and make this lofty vision unattainable.
The 2024 budget has revealed the incentive government provided to 11 companies through the GIEPA Special Investment Certificate last year, which is projected to invest a total of US$37.4M and create over 1000 jobs.
This is a welcome development and is part of a broader measure to tackle the back-way syndrome. Also, the Gambia needs investors to harness the vast opportunities available here. This reminds us of the need for public-private partnership. Overtime, we have seen that PPP is a robust mechanism in ensuring robust, rapid and sustainable development.
Youths are the backbone of any nation and for that reason, the government must prioritise their holistic development and include them in the decision making process. The jobs to be created by the government greatly help curb irregular migration in the country, thus motivating more youth to stay and make a decent living right on our shores.
We have all it takes to make our continent greener provided right policies, tailored-made and corruption is managed. It is sad that the Gambia just like most African countries is losing millions in funds to few corrupt officials; funds designed to sponsor projects and create jobs for the wellbeing of the citizenry.
Government needs to rethink and come up with sound policies and youth friendly initiatives to encourage and better the lives of its citizens. We have what it takes to achieve this rather than sit back and see our youth perish in the vast Sahara and at sea.