The multi-million-dollar project, funded by the African Development Bank and the Government of the Gambia, is being implemented by the National Social Protection Agency.
The delegation was received by Honourable Seedy S.K. Njie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and the Governor of the Central River Region, Ousman Bah and community members.
Delivering a keynote address, H.E.Muhammad B.S. Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia, said the initiative is part of GoTG’s commitment to a society where vulnerable people are protected, empowered, and given opportunities to thrive; a commitment “firmly anchored in the Yiriwa” the government’s development framework.
The project, he believes, comes at critical time as gov’t has identified youth unemployment, social vulnerability, regional disparities as key challenges under Yiriwa.
"The project is both timely and strategically aligned with national priorities," he noted.
He spoke about government’s resolve to ensure that development reaches those who need it most.
VP Jallow emphasised on expanding economic opportunities for youth, women. Further, the goal is to reduce unemployment and address underlying drivers of irregular migration.
According to him, women & youth are actors, not just beneficiaries, but central to development.
Executive Director of the National Social Protection Agency, Saikou Jeng, reminded that the project aligns directly with NSPA’s mandate and the National Social Protection Agenda.
"This project is not just a development intervention, It’s an investment in people, dignity, opportunity, resilience, hope and goes beyond reacting to vulnerability. It’s about prevention, risk reduction, and strengthening human capital," he noted.
He described AfDB, as a trusted and valued development partner in Gambia’s journey to inclusive growth/poverty reduction. Moreover, he said AfDB’s support shows deep understanding of vulnerable communities’ challenges across the country.
Equally, he called on the community beneficiaries to take ownership of the project while using the opportunities provided and renewed commitment to protect vulnerable people, empower women, and strengthen service delivery.
Saffie Dambelly, Project Director, explained that the project would significantly improve livelihoods, strengthen health & nutrition outcomes, and build resilience among vulnerable youth, women, and communities in five (5) Local Government Areas such as URR, CRR South and North, LRR and West Coast Region.
"As part of the implementation, the project will rebuild/renovate four (4) health facilities. All the health facilities will be equipped with modern ambulances and health outreach vehicles," he assured.
The project, he added, will provide equipment to the TVET and Multipurpose Skills centres in Julangel and Kuntaur, entrepreneurship training for youth- and women-owned SMEs across several regions."
Aminata Burno Trawally, AfDB representative, said the project is financed through the African Development Fund's Transition Support Facility (TSF), which is specifically designed to support countries and communities facing fragility, vulnerability, and resilience challenges.
She indicated that across Africa, young people and women continue to face enormous challenges on employment, climate shocks, food insecurity, and limited access to quality health and economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
She emphasised that the absence of opportunities pushes young people to lose hope, leave their communities, or undertake dangerous and irregular migration journeys in search of a better future.
She concluded that the African Development Bank believes that Africa's greatest asset is its people, especially its youth.
