Held under the theme “From Skills to Enterprise: Driving Youth‑led Innovation and Economic Transformation,” the forum brought together ministers, diplomats, development partners, training institutions, and young entrepreneurs to explore pathways for turning skills into jobs and businesses.
Jarry Sowe, Acting CEO of GYCC, describing the occasion as a milestone, said: “Today is particularly significant for us because it coincides with the celebration of 10 years of the Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce. Over the last decade, GYCC has walked alongside government institutions, development partners, private sector actors, and young people to promote entrepreneurship.”
“Across Africa, and indeed across the world, skills are becoming the currency of economic competitiveness. Countries that invest in skills development are strengthening their industries, improving productivity, creating jobs, and attracting investment.”
Modou Lamin Gassama, Board President of GYCC, praised the enthusiasm of young people: “Since the inception of this forum, young people have shown courage, passion, and commitment towards innovation and skills development. We are the cream of our nation’s human capital.”
He explained that the forum provides a platform for those excluded from policy discussions and business networking:
“The private sector is the engine of growth, but it is crucial that this sector moves together. That is why we created this platform — as a breakthrough for young people.”
A representative of the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia, Wuqi, highlighted the role of youth in bilateral cooperation:
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and The Gambia. Over the past decade, youths have been one of the most dynamic and promising driving forces of our cooperation.”
He recalled President Xi Jinping’s words: “The future of the world belongs to the young generation.” He added that China’s new talent development initiative for Africa will create more opportunities for African youth to study, train, and improve employability.
Mod K. Ceesay, Minister for Trade, said the forum aligns with national and international development priorities:
“Today’s forum aligns very well with my ministry’s employment policy in promoting innovation, skill development, entrepreneurship, and advocacy for youth development. It also cements inclusion in government commitment to the SDGs, the Africa Free Trade Area, and the national development plan.”
He stressed the role of youth in shaping the nation’s future:
“Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow. They are the leaders of today. Their ideas, innovation, energy, and determination are essential in driving the transformation needed to build a more resilient and sustainable future.”
The forum concluded with renewed commitment from stakeholders to continue supporting youth enterprise and innovation as central pillars of The Gambia’s economic transformation.
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