Finance Minister -Government Is Committed To Prioritizing Youth Empowerment And Sports Development.
By Buba Gagigo
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Seedy Keita announced the government’s commitment to prioritizing youth empowerment and sports development during his recent budget speech.
Highlighting the significance of the country’s demographic composition, where young people constitute the largest demographic group and dominate the sports sector, the minister emphasized the government’s dedication to fostering youth growth.
“The Government of the Gambia is committed to prioritizing youth empowerment and sports development. This is due to the country’s demographic structure, where young people make up the largest demographic group and dominate the sports industry. The National Youth Council has implemented various programs aimed at empowering youth in the areas of leadership, entrepreneurship, and career development. The Council has been actively engaging policymakers to advocate for policies that benefit young people, and to ensure that the youth’s perspective is captured in decision-making processes,” the minister said before the lawmakers.
The National Youth Council has collaborated with Local Authorities nationwide to encourage the active involvement of women and youth in leadership roles and political activities.
Furthermore, the minister reported that the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) has played a pivotal role in equipping young individuals with essential skills and knowledge for productive citizenship. Over 5,470 young people have benefited from the scheme, receiving training in areas such as electrical installation, construction, agriculture, mechanics, tailoring, carpentry, plumbing, electronics, catering, welding, and more. The newly launched National Youth Service Graduate Program, in collaboration with the University of The Gambia, aims to empower graduates by providing a one-year pilot period focused on knowledge building, skill acquisition, and employment opportunities.
“A total number of 5,470 young people have been supported in various skills including electrical installation, construction, masonry, rice agronomy, horticulture, auto mechanics, tailoring, carpentry, plumbing, electronics, catering, welding and fabrication, painting and among other livelihood activities. In collaboration with the University of The Gambia, the Scheme has launched the National Youth Service Graduate Program in September 2023, targeting one hundred University of The Gambia (UTG)graduates for a one-year piloting period. The program aims to empower young people, provide them with an opportunity to serve their country, and create a pathway for knowledge building, skill acquisition, and employment opportunities,” the minister said.
The minister also lauded the success of the National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI), which has established business incubation centers. These centers offer comprehensive training to young entrepreneurs through mentoring and coaching. In partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), NEDI has provided business management training to 300 migrant returnees, with the IOM offering reintegration packages.
“NEDI has also partnered with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide business management training to 300 migrant returnees, with the IOM providing re-integration packages to support this initiative. The initiatives have contributed towards job creation and economic empowerment, which has helped the youth to become self-reliant and play an active role in the country’s economy. The Government fully provided and funded support grant of GMD50,000 each to 32 youth and women entrepreneurs,” he said.
Turning attention to sports development, the minister highlighted the National Sports Council’s efforts in enhancing sports infrastructure and conducting talent identification and development programs across various disciplines.
“Gambian athletes showcased the country’s sporting potential by delivering impressive performances in international competitions, bringing pride to the nation. In the same period, the senior national football team participated in the 2024 AFCON qualifiers and qualified for the second time after the 2021 AFCON. Additionally, the U20 national football team won a silver medal at the African U20 Nations Cup, qualifying for the U20 World Cup held in Argentina. In addition to the budget allocation, The Ministry is funded through the levy for Sports and Youths, amounting to more than D90 million. This reflects the diverse funding to this important sector,” the minister said.