The initiative, described as the first of its kind in the party’s history, reflects the government’s growing commitment to women’s inclusion and economic participation. The fund is designed to provide financial support to women groups affiliated with the NPP, while also enhancing their social and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the launch, President Adama Barrow reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting women’s self-reliance and economic growth.
“Beyond individual opportunity, women’s economic participation directly strengthens families and communities. Many women use access to finance and training to open or expand small and household enterprises, creating income that supports education, health, and food security at the family level,” President Barrow said.
He emphasised that women-led businesses, often rooted in local demand, play a critical role in reducing poverty at the grassroots level and generating employment within communities. Supporting women entrepreneurs, he noted, is not only a social responsibility but a core development strategy essential for job creation, enterprise growth, and economic resilience.
“When women succeed economically, families become more stable, communities more cohesive, and local economies more sustainable,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Njundu Fatty, Chief Executive Officer of Salam Financial Services, expressed gratitude to President Barrow and the NPP for their continued support for women’s empowerment.
“Empowering women remains one of the most effective pathways to inclusive economic growth. Evidence consistently shows that when women gain access to finance, land, and productive resources, entire families and communities benefit,” Fatty said.
He disclosed that President Barrow, through the NPP, contributed D25 million, while Salam Financial Services provided an additional D25 million, bringing the total fund to D50 million.
According to Fatty, the collaboration strengthens the loan scheme and supports impact-driven development initiatives focused on women’s growth. The funding will support practical investments across land access, infrastructure, processing capacity, and multiple product sectors, with a strong emphasis on microfinance and value-chain development.
He added that special attention will be given to expanding economic opportunities for women in The Gambia, recognising their central role in strengthening household stability, boosting productivity, and driving long-term economic resilience.
NPP Admin Secretary General, Seedy Ceesay in his statement highlighted the importance of NPP’s success women enterprise fund, describing it as one of its kind in the history of the country.
He also disclosed that the president was creating a notable pathway for women in the country’s economy, and 2026 is following the recurrent change since Barrow’s ascension to power.
