Press release
The Startup Incubator Gambia in collaboration with International Trade Centre’s Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), and Gambia’s main entrepreneurship development partners including the Young Entrepreneurs Association, The National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI), the Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce (GYCC), Global Youth Innovation Network Gambia Chapter (GYIN Gambia Chapter), GIEPA and EMPRETEC are commemorating global entrepreneurship week with series of exciting and educative activities. During one week each November, thousands of events and competitions in 160 countries inspire millions to engage in entrepreneurial activity while connecting them to potential collaborators, mentors and investors.
On the occasion of the global entrepreneurships week, the main Gambian actors in entrepreneurship support will provide an overview of the different activities offered to Gambian youths.
The Ministry of Trade Industry Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) will share insight of the national entrepreneurship policy geared towards creating a level playing ground and foster entrepreneurship development and innovation in The Gambia. The EMPRETEC program has already trained hundreds of entrepreneurs across the country and is currently rolling out youth-focused entrepreneurship trainings under YEP covering Brikama, Mansakonko, Farafenni, Basse and Bakau. The National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI) is offering business clinics and other entrepreneurship support services in rural areas as well as a new business hub at their headquarters at Kairaba Avenue, that seeks to provide both online and offline service to target youth. Global Youth Innovation Network Gambia Chapter (GYIN Gambia Chapter) is empowering young rural entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector through capacity building and mentorship programs.
Through regional trade fairs and exhibitions the Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce (GYCC) provides new rural market opportunities for young entrepreneurs and business owners. The chamber also offers training and capacity development, market links for young people through its website and provides online social media advocacy to support a favorable business environment for young people in business. The Startup Incubator Gambia (SIG) offering young and aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to build sustainable enterprise through capacity building, mentorship, networking, access to co-working space, finance, and resources. Also under the Youth Empowerment Project the Startup Incubator Gambia (SIG) will embark on regional boot camps, pitching contest and finally, the Young Entrepreneurs Association in collaborations with development partners will organize the Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Summit + Job Fair on 14th -15th February 2018.
The entrepreneurship support organizations come together to speak on one voice to create linkages and nurture an entrepreneurial ecosystem where every young people will be able to showcase and unleash their talents. As part of the Global Entrepreneurship week celebrations, different partners will also engage in a series of entrepreneurial activities like seminars and networking events to foster collaboration among young entrepreneurs.
About YEP
The Gambia Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) is a four-year project that aims to supporting youth employment and entrepreneurship in the country to address the economic root causes of irregular migration. It is funded by the European Union (EU) Emergency Trust Fund for Africa with a total budget of EUR 11 million. By improving the employability of youth, especially potential and returning migrants, increasing income opportunities along value chains and helping young entrepreneurs to connect to trade and tap into the digital economy, this project aims to change the current migration trends and contribute to building the long-term growth and economic competitiveness of The Gambia.
About ITC
The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. The organisation’s aim is for businesses in developing countries to become more competitive in global markets, speeding up economic development and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
About the Trust Fund
The European Union’s Emergency Trust Fund for Africa addresses the root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa. More specifically, it helps address the root causes of destabilisation, forced displacement and irregular migration by promoting economic and equal opportunities, strengthening security, development and resilience of vulnerable people.
