The six-day capacity building was jointly organised by The Gambia Investment and Export promotion Agency (GIEPA) in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).
At the closing session, Mr Aziz Balla Gaye, principal economist at the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, highlighted the importance of this Empretec programme, which he said, is designed to unleash not only the entrepreneurs but also change the behavior of the aspiring entrepreneurs.
“It also seeks to guide business operators through skill training coupled with comprehensive range of advisory measures given.”
Gaye informed of the Ministry’s efforts in trying to provide the business sector a conducive environment to operate, recalling that for the past five years with the support of UNDP, they have embarked on project regulating, building the capacity of entrepreneurs in the country.
For his part, Muhammed Jawo, winner of KMC mayor challenge, who is also the founder of ‘Le Jumbo’, said that entrepreneurship is a process of identifying problems and providing business solutions using products or services.
“In order to be successful, and make profit one has to bear in mind the risk involved so it requires being persistent, patience and passionate, create awareness and sensitise people.”
Jawo explained that after the programme, there would be a pool of entrepreneurs, who will be contributing effectively to the development of the business sector in the country.
Abdoulie .B. Ceesay from ‘Chopal Toom’, who won personal achievement award, described the award as a form of encouragement to do better.
“I got sleepless nights to ensure that I win the awards and to meet the goal at task. I am hereby urging the aspiring entrepreneurs out there to endeavor and join the training because it’s a life changing and a turning point”.
Awards were given to various companies in recognition of their personal achievements. The ceremony was graced by Madi Kambi, Director of Enterprises support, Clark Liu, Sustainable Development Officer (UNDESA), Amson Chief National strategies Capacity Building Branch.
