The Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP) on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, graduated 60 Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) under the third cohort of the Yokuté Accelerator Programme and launched its fourth and final cohort of nearly 40 businesses.
The ceremony was held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
Funded by the World Bank Group through IDA, the Yokuté Accelerator is a 3.5-year intervention under TDRGP targeting over 200 tourism-related MSMEs nationwide, with focus on women-owned and women-led businesses. It aims to strengthen linkages between local businesses and established tourism operators to boost local sourcing, expand markets and create jobs.
TDRGP Project Director Momodou Ceesay said the programme has continued to exceed its targets. Beyond capacity building, coaching and investment planning, he said real success lies in individual businesses.
He cited Kaba Girl, now exporting to Europe and America; Chef Bojang’s Spice Hub, expanding and creating opportunities for young chefs; and Maria of Maersk Energy Solutions, who developed a mobile solar cooker and is set for growth under the matching grant scheme. He also highlighted Laming Fish Farm associated with Ms. Dabba, named Chef of the Year at WAFFEST 2026.
Ceesay said data from over 500 MSMEs has been used to refine support. He stressed collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to ensure informal enterprises like juice processors and fruit sellers not eligible for Yokuté benefit from other programmes.
IBF Expertise Project Manager Washington Koech said over 1,000 MSMEs applied, 529 underwent diagnostic assessments. The programme supported 62 in Cohort 1, 64 in Cohort 2, 60 in Cohort 3, and nearly 40 in Cohort 4.
The programme covered all regions — Banjul, Kanifing, West Coast, North Bank, Lower River, Central River and Upper River — providing training in financial management, business planning, marketing, operations and investment readiness.
Koech urged graduates to keep proper records, implement business plans and pursue investment, noting success should be measured by business performance over the next 5-10 years, not certificates.
World Bank TDRGP Task Team Leader Rafael Pardo said tourism benefits more when visitor spending reaches local producers and suppliers, not just hotels. He said Yokuté makes local enterprises competitive and ensures more tourism value stays in Gambian communities.
Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe said the programme aligns with the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan 2023–2027 (Yiriwaa), promoting inclusive growth, entrepreneurship and resilience. He commended its focus on women and youth and urged graduates to use knowledge and matching grants responsibly.
He declared the ceremony open on behalf of the President.
Stakeholders agreed the challenge now is sustaining the skills, market linkages and support systems beyond the project lifespan.
