The grant worth twenty thousand dalasis (D20, 000) is aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs to expand and strengthen their businesses.
At the presentation, Mr. Modou A. Njie, representative of GAMDIASPORA TANK, stated that GAMDIASPORA TANK, is an acronym for Gambia and Diaspora.
He informed the gathering that diaspora contributes about 46 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is indicative of the vital role the diaspora Gambia plays in terms of economic development of the Gambia.
“This tells you a lot about the interest of GAMDIASPORA. The idea of the GAMDIASPORA is to transform the process of sending money home (Gambia), into the viability of these businesses. We wanted to look at the initiative with a view to see how we can utilise it. That is why we call it GAMDIASPORA”, he explicated.
Mr. Njie who also doubles as the Director of Startup Grind Banjul, said that the Startup Grind Banjul, is also an organisation in almost 150 cities, and they focus primarily on facilitation of trade and investment.
The aim is to make sure that the amount given is sufficient enough for each to support the young entrepreneurs in their businesses, with the objective of helping businesses in the Gambia.
“We are giving three prizes today. The first one is in the tune of D15, 000 and D5000 for both the second and third prizes each”, he said.
Mariama Saine, Finance and Operations at GYIN Gambia, expressed appreciation and gratitude to GAMDIASPORA TANK, for the initiative that GAMDIASPORA has taken, to render support to the young entrepreneurs.
“Young entrepreneurs, especially those in the rural areas are struggling with their businesses initially, especially during the peak of the COVID19 pandemic. Coming up with this initiative by the GAMDIASPORA is really a laudable gesture.” she expressed.
She also on behalf of GYIN Gambia congratulated GAMDIASPORA, and called on the other entities to emulate the footsteps of GAMDIASPORA in offering support to the young entrepreneurs, adding that such support will encourage young entrepreneurs to work harder, in ensuring that their businesses prosper.
Jarai Ceesay, rep of EBROSSO Consultant, expressed similar commendations to the GYIN Gambia and partners for the foresight, which she said has the potentials to discourage young people from venturing into the back way route, but instead focus on their businesses and make decent living for them.
Musa Jaiteh, Proprietor of Jaiteh’s fishing, on behalf of the young entrepreneurs, hailed GYIN Gambia, GAMDIASPORA TANK and EBROSSO, for the support. He said the said grant will greatly assist them expand the scope of their businesses. He also assured the benefactors that they will make the best use of the grant.
Beneficiaries are Musa Jaiteh of Jaiteh’s Fishing, Fatoumata Njie, proprietor of ‘Yaxare’ Herbal Tea and Alieu Nyang proprietor of TIP Platinum wears.
