The conference evolved around the theme “rising strong, resilience and preparedness to navigate the challenges of an emerging new global architecture.”
Mustapha Njie, chief executive officer of TAF Africa Global in his remarks highlighted the importance of collective preparedness, ethics and morality.
He added that upholding integrity in an era where trust and credibility are paramount, consistently adhering to a strong moral compass to foster trust in their communities, businesses and institutions, is critical.
“It is vital that we keep individuals with dignity and empathy, value their rights, opinions and perspectives,” the TAFLA CEO stated.
Mr Njie revealed that they have high demand of young people in the continent who want to benefit from the leadership academy of TAFLA, noting that they intend to extend the leadership academy via virtual next year. He added that they want to have one thousand fellows from across Africa and the Caribbean.
“By embracing diversity and also inclusion we create an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation and overall well-being,” Mr Njie pointed out.
Bakary Badjie, minister for Youth and Sports said that there is a need for every sector of the country to place special attention on the youth because they are the ones confronted with all social challenges such as inadequate education, unemployment, among others.
He added that the effects of those social problems lead the youth to be anti-social, drug abusers and subsequently engage in crimes.
“A lot of attention should be directed towards the youth with the view to cater for their needs in the most strategic, coordinated and sustainable manner,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to TAF Africa Global and stated that they believe a leadership skill was a necessity for the young people.
Babucarr Ousmaila Joof, minister for Trade said the role of TAFCON in the entrepreneurship ecosystem has not gone unnoticed by the government of The Gambia.
He therefore expressed gratitude to the TAFLA CEO who continued to create opportunities for the population in terms of employment, capacity building and access to capital.
He added that the theme of the annual celebration was realigned with the government's ambition of supporting the private sector to leverage on the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Dr Omar Touray, president of the ECOWAS Commission shared insightful technology awareness skills and stated that youth must be able to identify constructive possibilities and be able to leverage on those possibilities to their advantage.
He highlighted the horrors of social media; the disinformation and misinformation transmitted. However, he underscored the benefits of social media.
The technological advances give limitless possibilities but it also offers pitfalls that must be recognised by all.
He advised youth to be mindful of the internet and go for what would benefit them instead.
