The training commenced on Saturday October 17, 2020 at NaNA Conference Hall at Kanifing.
The five-day training is expected to strengthen participants’ capacities and improve their business ideas.
Speaking at the opening, Abas Bah, General Manager, NEDI said the training intends to expose participants to areas like business plan development, financial management, negotiation, customer management and market research.
He indicated that NEDI has been training young people in other parts of the country on entrepreneurship and thought it prudent to organise training for the first time for young people residing in the Kanifing Municipality.
Mr. Bah envisages that: “NEDI yield for entrepreneurs who are highly resourced and highly capitalised to run their businesses effectively.”
The government of the Gambia has created the enabling environment for any youth entrepreneur in strides with their business and contribute their quota towards national development, NEDI General Manager Mr. Bah told participants.
He also harped on an attitudinal change to move businesses further in the country. He told participants that loans are already available and he would encourage participants to apply for the loans to grow their businesses.
”NEDI offices are open to guide you anytime and help you in your business entrepreneurship needs. Prepared to be successful, we will be there to support you in your business journey,” he encouraged participants.
Sutay Jawo, Deputy Permanent Secretary Technical, Ministry of Youth and Sports who represented his minister at the ceremony said the government of The Gambia has made every opportunity available to youth, specifically in the entrepreneurship sector.
He indicated that the staff of NEDI would continue to mentor and support youth in their business development crusade.
“The Gambia needs to do a lot to compete with other countries, especially on the business front. And young people have a part to play in this journey,” he stated.
Mr. Jawo expressed “You can only live a dignified life if you can do it for yourself. Honestly, we can do this through business. Let us diversify our businesses and it can work.”
The Ministry of Youth and Sports, he added, has ‘open-door policy’ for young people.
Marcel Mendy, Executive Director National Sports Council said the government is investing in such training to better the future of the country. He added that the future of this country solely lies in the hands of young people, noting that prosperity will hold young people responsible.
He called on participants to use the training to change lives and they (participants) have to change themselves for good and contribute to societal development.
Musa Saidy, Finance and Administrative Manager of NEDI told participants that the objective of NEDI is to empower youth to be active participants in the economic front of the country.
Mr. Saidy explained that employment creation is a course that ought to be championed by all and sundry, stating that the government of The Gambia alone cannot create employment for all thus the need for young people to partake in the business sector.
He also called on participants to always partner and network among themselves to share business plans and ideas to boost their businesses.
Isatou Secka, chairperson KM Youth Committee said the training is quite timely and hoped it would help participants improve their business idea development and further strengthen their existing businesses to grow.
