By Olimatou Coker
With support from the Africa Capacity Building Fund (ACBF) through Africa Governance Institute, the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently commenced a youth entrepreneurship sustainability project.
Abdoulie Janneh, the president of the African Governance Institute, (AGI) said the youth are the cream of any nation and empowering them means empowering the whole nation.
“If the youth are well equipped they can be used as assets for development,” Janneh said.
Ebrim Drammeh, the deputy permanent secretary at the ministry of trade, said his ministry has “always been given attention” to the issues underpinning youth development, particularly youth employment and employability.
“Developing the capacity of an individual is essential as it helps the individual to realise his or her potentials,” he equipped.
DPS Drammeh commended GCCI for helping to equip youth with the necessary skills to get on well in life.
Muhammed Jagana, the president of GCCI, spoke of his challenges as an entrepreneur. He said he understands the challenges confronting entrepreneurs.
“They should believe in themselves and their potential,” he advised.
Jagan said: “To start [an initiative] and fail is not the end of life. If you fail you should not stop, for failure is part of the process.”
He highlighted access to finance and market as the main obstacles impeding youth progress in the country.
“Obviously without a good market they cannot achieve their goals.”
