The Gambian Alliance for National Development, Integrity, Order and Leadership (GANDIOL) has awarded a total of US$11,000 in micro-business grants to 11 entrepreneurs in the Greater Banjul Area as part of its efforts to promote entrepreneurship and strengthen grassroots economic development.
Each of the 11 beneficiaries received financial support to help establish, expand or strengthen their businesses, with the initiative targeting small-scale entrepreneurs who require seed capital to grow their ventures.
The grant initiative was officially inaugurated on Tuesday at the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), bringing together representatives of GANDIOL, business leaders, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders from the private sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, Basiru Deen, Chief Executive Officer of GANDIOL, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to creating economic opportunities for Gambians through entrepreneurship and community-based initiatives.
He said the grant programme was designed to provide entrepreneurs with the resources needed to turn their business ideas into viable enterprises while strengthening businesses that are already operating.
According to him, supporting small businesses is essential to creating employment opportunities, improving household incomes and contributing to sustainable economic development.
The GANDIOL CEO also stressed the importance of partnerships between organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders in creating an environment where entrepreneurs can develop and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
Speaking on behalf of the GCCI, Babucarr Saho, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the Chamber’s role in promoting private-sector development and supporting businesses across the country.
Mr Saho underscored the importance of collaboration and networking within the business community, noting that strong relationships among entrepreneurs, business institutions and development organisations are critical to achieving sustainable economic growth.
He said the GCCI remains committed to working with partners to strengthen the capacity of businesses and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship.
The event also featured personal reflections from
Adama Deen, who spoke about his life journey and his connection with Basiru Deen, recalled leaving The Gambia in 1979 and reflected on the passage of time and his eventual reconnection with his son, who has returned to The Gambia and is now contributing to the country’s development.
For the beneficiaries, the grant represents an opportunity to move their businesses to the next level.
Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation to GANDIOL for the financial support, saying the funds would enable them to increase their stock, improve their operations and, where possible, create employment opportunities for others.
They also said access to capital remains one of the major challenges confronting small-scale entrepreneurs and that initiatives of this nature could help young and emerging business owners build sustainable enterprises.
The initiative comes at a time when small and medium-sized enterprises continue to play an important role in providing livelihoods and employment opportunities in The Gambia.
GANDIOL said it would continue to explore initiatives aimed at empowering Gambians and supporting entrepreneurship as part of its broader commitment to integrity, leadership, national development and sustainable economic growth.
The collaboration with GCCI further demonstrated the importance of partnerships between civil society organisations and private-sector institutions in supporting entrepreneurs and expanding economic opportunities.
With the disbursement of the US$11,000 grant, GANDIOL has taken another step towards supporting grassroots businesses and helping beneficiaries turn their entrepreneurial ideas into sustainable sources of income.
