Thirty young Gambian leaders, selected by the Ministry of Youth and Sports from various entrepreneurial backgrounds, are attending a two-week intensive seminar on youth entrepreneurship and leadership in Beijing, China.
The training is facilitated by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) under China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), as part of ongoing China Aid programs aimed at supporting capacity building in developing nations.
The first day got off to a powerful start, with sessions designed to broaden participants’ global outlook and strengthen their innovation mindset.
In the morning, former Ambassador Chen Mingming from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered an eye-opening lecture on China’s National Conditions, tracing the country’s remarkable development journey, leadership structure, and its growing impact on global affairs – offering valuable inspiration to the emerging Gambian change makers.
Later in the day, the focus shifted to the booming digital economy, with a deep dive into Cross-Border e-Commerce Platforms and how such models can be adapted to the Gambian business landscape to drive youth innovation and trade opportunities.
The seminar, which runs until 22 July this year, is not just a learning platform - it’s a space for connection, exchange, and long-term collaboration between The Gambia and China.
Organizers hope the program becomes both a bridge of cooperation and a gateway to new ideas, empowering participants to return home with renewed purpose and a toolkit for driving national development.
In another motivational session at home aimed at inspiring Gambian youth to maximize the opportunities available within the youth and sports ministry and beyond, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, engaged with corps or members of the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) ahead of their swearing-in ceremony.
Drawing from his personal journey, the Minister shared his early life challenges, including the sacrifices he made and his involvement in volunteer work and crafts to support his education. “My hands were once dry from doing crafts to sell just to stay in school,” he told the youth corps, adding that success requires the mindset to succeed and the determination to start small and grow steadily.
“No one who succeeded did so by chance. Everyone who made it was prepared to be successful,” the minister said, emphasizing the importance of focus, patience, and hard work. He urged the youth corps to resist shortcuts and understand that while the government cannot provide everything, it is committed to creating friendly policies that support youth development.
Highlighting the ministry’s programs, Minister Badjie referenced institutions such as the GSI Centre and NEDI where young people undergo a year-long practical training in agriculture.
Videos of past beneficiaries who are now thriving in their fields were shared, serving as a testament to what is possible through dedication and government support.
“You are not here by accident. The values and skills you gain through NYSS are meant to mold you into responsible, productive citizens. Live by them,” he advised.
Speaking at the session, Abass Bah, Executive Director of NYSS, reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to following up on its graduates. He announced that UNDP is ready to support dedicated individuals who complete their training successfully, encouraging the youth corps to take their training seriously and remain focused.
“Don’t let anyone fool you or derail you from your path. The difference starts with you,” he stressed, adding that NYSS will continue to monitor their progress and support their development.
The session concluded with a viewing of the film “Home Again,” which tells the emotional story of a young man who attempted the “back way” migration route seven times unsuccessfully a powerful reminder of the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of building a future at home.
