A groundbreaking project aimed at empowering vulnerable youth and women has been launched in The Gambia. This initiative, led by the African Development Bank and local partners, is set to provide essential skills training and resources to support entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency for thousands of individuals.
With an investment of $14.7 million, the Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project will deliver vocational training focused on agriculture and agribusiness, giving participants the tools needed to build sustainable businesses. Alongside business skills, the project will offer equipment, coaching, and market access, helping new entrepreneurs thrive. The initiative will also enhance healthcare by upgrading facilities and providing emotional and social support services for participants.
This project is funded by a $6.65 million grant from the African Development Fund, supplemented by contributions from the MRC Holland Foundation and the Gambian government. Over the next several years, the program aims to reach 2,500 youth and women, creating job opportunities and improving access to essential social and health services for over 82,000 people.
During the launch, Gambian Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare Fatou Kinteh highlighted the project’s significance in fostering a more inclusive and resilient nation, especially for marginalized groups. Joseph Ribeiro, Bank Country Manager for The Gambia, emphasized that the project aligns with broader goals to promote economic resilience and reduce socioeconomic barriers.
Targeting the regions of Janjanbureh, Kuntaur, and Basse, the project will operate through June 2027, addressing high vulnerability rates in rural areas. Since beginning operations in The Gambia in 1974, the African Development Bank has committed over $456 million to various development initiatives across agriculture, industry, health, and education.
