The three-month initiative, held under the theme “Strengthening the Capacity of Youth-Based Matching Grant Beneficiaries to Formalise, Grow, and Sustain Their Enterprises through Coaching and Mentorship,” equipped young Gambian entrepreneurs with the tools to build formal, resilient, and profitable businesses in the agricultural value chain.
In his remarks, GSCC Chief Executive Officer Baboucarr Kebbeh commended the determination of the beneficiaries, noting that out of 123 participants, 121 completed the full coaching program, and 119 successfully met all required performance indicators to graduate. He explained that the training has helped many young entrepreneurs formalise and strengthen their enterprises, leading to measurable growth across different agribusiness sectors. He added that the program has enhanced the capacity of youth-led businesses and contributed to building a more organised and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem, while extending gratitude to the ROOTS Project for entrusting GSCC with its implementation.
For his part, Mamour Alieu Jagne, Director of the ROOTS Project, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and commitment. He said the project management is currently reviewing the entire Youth-Based Matching Grant process to make it more effective, transparent, and responsive to the needs of future beneficiaries. Jagne reiterated that the main goal of the grant is to empower young entrepreneurs who play a vital role in supporting rural farmers, especially those engaged in rice cultivation and horticulture. He emphasised that agribusinesses such as input dealers are essential in providing farmers with quality seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides at affordable prices, ultimately improving productivity and food security. He urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the coaching and mentorship program to expand their ventures and contribute to the country’s agricultural transformation.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretary Fatou Jammeh-Touray reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing youth and women empowerment in agriculture through initiatives like ROOTS. She congratulated the participants and encouraged them to be innovative, resilient, and collaborative as they scale up their enterprises. She added that if each of the 123 beneficiaries employs just two others, it would make a remarkable difference in reducing youth unemployment. She also stressed the importance of continuous mentorship and peer support within the business community.
Coach Fatou B. Njie described entrepreneurship as a journey, not a destination, stressing that mentorship and support will continue beyond the duration of the project. The Deputy Governor of the Lower River Region applauded the strong participation of women in the program, calling it a reflection of national progress in gender inclusion. He said when you empower a woman, you empower a nation.
Several graduates shared moving testimonies about how the program transformed their businesses. Alasan York said the coaching improved his business strategies, while Olimatou Sillah shared that she had successfully formalised her business and separated her personal and business finances. Modou Lamin Jaiteh explained that he now keeps digital records and has employed two additional staff thanks to the training. On behalf of the graduates, Jainaba Jammeh expressed heartfelt appreciation to ROOTS, GSCC, and the dedicated coaches for their guidance and mentorship over the past four months.
The program recorded impressive results. A total of 103 businesses were formally registered, 93 opened business bank accounts, and 111 adopted proper financial record-keeping systems. Sixty-five beneficiaries learned to file taxes and began paying them, while 105 developed marketing strategies and established social media pages to promote their products. Ninety participants formalised employment or contracts, seventy-three expanded or identified new markets, and fifty-seven introduced invoicing and receipt systems.
The ROOTS–GSCC collaboration continues to serve as a model for youth-driven agricultural transformation, demonstrating how mentorship and targeted investment can unlock economic potential in rural communities. By equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and confidence to lead, the initiative not only fosters business growth but also contributes to national efforts to promote food security, reduce unemployment, and drive inclusive development across The Gambia.
