The project is jointly sponsored by the ECOWAS Commission and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ, Germany) to promote political, social and economic stability through investments and capacity building in select ECOWAS member states. The Gambia Pilot Project is implemented by GIZ.
Speaking at NACCUG Conference Centre, Cherno Bah, an agriculture officer who represented the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that it is apparent that women and youths working in the horticultural sector, poultry and fisheries sector face so many difficulties which affect the development of their enterprises. Mr. Bah said these are amongst the most vibrant sectors in the country where youth participation is low due to access to finance.
“It is undoubtedly a stride in the right direction and a welcome idea by the donors to help provide access to finance to women and youths. This, we believe will help improve production and productivity in the various intervention areas, create job opportunities and contribute to national development,” he added.
Bah commended the donors and all the partners for the laudable initiative and support while stating that the support will go a long way in empowering women and youths.
Abdoulie Jallow, ECOWAS FRSD team leader, explained that the project is an instrument ECOWAS wants to use to bring back the desired environment for our region.
“GIZ implements the project in The Gambia through technical assistance worth 7 million Euros but we also have a sister project called the ‘Gambia Pilot Project’ implemented by GAMWORKS worth 10 million Euros. GAMWORKS is mainly for the infrastructural development in our communities in the GBA, URR and LRR,” Jallow said.
He added that they have conducted similar events in URR and LRR, saying it was successful. He therefore expressed hope that the GBA would also go successfully well.
Jallow emphasised that the publicity and outreach campaign is designed to attract youth and women between the ages of 16 and 35 to take advantage of our start-up opportunities.
Foday Sanyang, chief executive officer of NACCUG, expressed delight, saying it is a pleasure partnering with GIZ since they signed the MoU in August 2021 to be part of the implementing partners.
“Since the project's inception, we have left no stone unturned in our commitment to make the programme successful. We assure you of the commitment from NACCUG to continue with phase two of this activity.”
Mr. Sanyang reiterated that they still have some challenges in certain regions, but with commitment, determination, and support from partners, they would achieve their objectives.
