President Adama Barrow at the Youth Empowerment Project
By Fatou Sillah
President Adama Barrow announced on Monday that his government aims to create 150,000 new jobs by 2028, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth and employment opportunities in The Gambia.
Speaking at the launch ceremony of the Youth Empowerment Project: Tourism and Creative Industries, President Barrow described the target as part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic development and human capital grow
“As part of our broader development agenda, my government stands firm in its commitment to job creation, economic growth, and human capital development, We have set an ambitious goal of creating one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) new jobs by 2028 and ensuring that our economic policies contribute more significantly to economic growth,” He Said.President Barrow emphasized that tourism and creative industries would play a central role in achieving this objective.
“This is why my government has prioritised the development of tourism and creative industries as a key driver of economic diversification and job creation. Our solid commitment to this sector has led to strategic partnerships with key development actors. Today, we are celebrating the fruits of that commitment,” He Said.Tourism, according to Barrow, remains pivotal to The Gambia’s economy, contributing approximately 20 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“All those familiar with the economic situation of The Gambia know that Tourism is at the heart of our economy. Here, Tourism is much more than an industry; it is a lifeline for thousands of Gambians, contributing about twenty percent (20%) of the GDP,” He Said.The sector also accounts for 17.3 percent of employment, supporting a wide range of livelihoods, including entrepreneurs, artists, tour operators, hospitality workers, and local businesses involved in food processing, horticulture, ICT, and transport.
“This is why my government has prioritised the development of tourism and creative industries as a key driver of economic diversification and job creation. Our solid commitment to this sector has led to strategic partnerships with key development actors. Today, we are celebrating the fruits of that commitment,” He Said.The Youth Empowerment Project-Tourism and Creative Industries, funded by the European Union and supported by the International Trade Center, focuses on enhancing the competitiveness, inclusiveness, and sustainability of The Gambia’s tourism sector. The initiative specifically aims to create employment opportunities for women and youth in the creative industry.
President Barrow concluded his remarks by stressing that the success of this project would be a testament to his government’s resolve to address youth unemployment and bolster economic resilience.