Madam Jeng-Njie was speaking at the annual youth forum at the Gambia College hall in Brikama, West Coast Region on Saturday.
However, she said education alone is not enough; it must be inclusive. "We need to ensure that every Gambian, regardless of gender, disability, or socioeconomic status, has access to quality education," she added.
She indicated that by promoting inclusive education, young people should be equipped with the skills to succeed and participate fully in the national development of the Gambia.
"The Gambia, like many nations faces challenges in achieving true inclusivity and equity but I firmly believe that the key to overcome these challenges lies in harnessing the transformative power of two fundamental forces - education and entrepreneurship," she avers.
Madam Jeng-Njie also believes that evolving traditional education needs to go hand in hand with the development of entrepreneurial skills because entrepreneurship creates jobs and it empowers individuals to create their own paths to success.
By supporting young Gambians in starting their own business and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit, "we are not only creating wealth but also promoting self-reliance," she said, adding: “This is crucial in an economy like The Gambia, where the private sector can play a significant role in driving growth.”
According to her, the government, the communities and the private sector should work together to provide access to resources and support structures that help both the education and entrepreneurship drive.
"We must ensure that our education system encourages creativity, and problem solving, preparing our youth to tackle the challenges of the modern economy," she advised.
She calls on the relevant stakeholders to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs by offering mentorship, access to finance, and a favourable regulatory environment. In doing so, "we will foster an inclusive Gambia where all citizens regardless of their background have the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the prosperity of the country".
She notes education and entrepreneurship are the pathways to a more equitable Gambia, where opportunity is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all.
