The event was held at the Sir Dawda Jawara Conference Center.
Funded by the World Bank Group, the Sub-Component 1B of the TDRGP aims to enhance the capacity of more than 200 tourism-related MSMEs, prioritizing female-owned and female-led businesses to ensure their inclusion in the tourism value chain by fostering connections with Lead Firms (large firms in the tourism sector).
The project employs various strategies, including training, coaching, mentorship, peer learning, preparation for investment readiness, and access to a matching grant scheme.
At the event, Franklin Mutahakana, World Bank Group Country Representative, reiterated the bank's commitment to supporting The Gambia's tourism sector.
"The World Bank is dedicated to enhancing the capacity of at least 200 tourism-related MSMEs through this project, contributing to economic growth and job creation in The Gambia, with a special focus on women's economic empowerment and youth employment," he stated.
Mr Washingtone Koech, IBF Expertise Project Manager, provided insights into the implementation progress and significant milestones achieved during the capacity-building phase.
He revealed the strategic approach adopted by the technical team to ensure that MSMEs acquire relevant skills and expertise to improve their business operations and sustainability within the tourism value chain.
Thus, he also congratulated the team while expressing gratitude to the World Bank, the Ministry of Tourism, and the PIU, acknowledging the support from implementation partners SPI, Target Euro, and RCM.
In a remarkable achievement for The Gambia's tourism sector, 62 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) successfully completed an intensive six-month capacity-building programme, with 57 qualifying for the matching grant scheme. These enterprises received comprehensive training, dedicated expert support, and on-site coaching led by Business Development Managers (BDMs) assigned to each MSME.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Abdoulie Jobe, highlighted government's commitment to diversifying The Gambia's tourism offerings and enhancing resilience in the sector.
Mr. Momodou Ceesay, TDRGP Project Director, expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved thus far, stating that the success of the first cohort showcases the immense potential within the tourism sector.
He noted that these MSMEs are now better positioned to strengthen their supply relationships with lead firms in the industry.
The event also marks the launched of the Yokuté Accelerator Brand by Team Leader, Mr. Hamid Marah.
Commenting on the initiative, he said the new accelerator brand will serve as the framework under which sub-component 1B of the TDRGP will continue to operate, focusing on enhancing the capacity of tourism-related MSMEs, with an emphasis on female-owned and female-led sub-businesses.
He used the forum to announce the unveiling of the second cohort.
The ceremony welcomed 65 MSMEs selected through a rigorous, fair, and objective process that included application screening, physical on-site verification, and extensive business diagnostics.
These new participants were symbolically inducted into the programme, receiving potted plants from distinguished guests, which they are expected to nurture throughout their business acceleration journey, symbolizing how they should cultivate their businesses.
Additionally, the event featured a traditional Kora music performance by two MSMEs inducted into the new cohort - Mariama Cham and Mama Limbo Music, Drum and Dance Academy, celebrating The Gambia's rich cultural heritage, which is an integral part of the country's tourism offerings.
The first cohort of MSMEs led by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and other dignitaries later paid a courtesy call at the State House, where H.E. President Adama Barrow congratulated them for their excellent progress and reaffirm the government's commitment to developing an inclusive and vibrant tourism sector.
Barrow also made a symbolic presentation of cheque as grant amounting to $1.4 million to the MSMEs.
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