By Fatou Dahaba
The Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce (GYCC) hosted the second edition of its Youth SkillRise and Innovation Forum on Thursday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center. The event brought together youth leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to strategize on youth empowerment and economic inclusion, creating a platform for young Gambians to showcase innovative business ideas, network, and access resources for growth and development.
The forum aimed to equip young entrepreneurs and innovators with essential entrepreneurial and technical skills to thrive in a competitive economy. It served as a dynamic space for dialogue and action, emphasizing the importance of youth-driven innovation in shaping The Gambia’s future.
Faba Jammeh, Director of Employment at the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration, and Employment, underscored the government’s commitment to addressing youth challenges through targeted interventions. He urged attendees to translate discussions into actionable outcomes. “This forum should not only be about talking; we should walk the talk,” Jammeh said. “Let’s ensure our recommendations become responsibilities we all uphold, so at the next forum, we can report progress.” He encouraged young people to refine their skills, expand their knowledge, and prepare for leadership roles to drive national development.
Momodou Lamin Gassama, GYCC Board President, emphasized the need for innovative thinking and strategic resource use among youth. “For young people to thrive sustainably, they must be innovative in how they think and invest their time, energy, and resources,” he said. Gassama highlighted government policies and projects designed to empower youth, questioning how effectively young people are leveraging these opportunities. “It requires self-driven initiatives, energy, focus, and commitment,” he added, stressing the forum’s role as a direct interface for youth to engage with economic development stakeholders.
Gassama highlighted the critical role of youth in generating revenue, creating employment opportunities, and alleviating socio-economic burdens on the state. “It’s ineffective for us to decide or create programs on your behalf without engaging you directly,” he said, affirming the forum’s purpose as a platform for collaboration and empowerment.
Wally Saine, Vice President of the GYCC Board for Industries, described the forum as a movement to celebrate and nurture the ambitions and dreams of Gambian youth. “At GYCC, we believe in the power of youth-driven innovation. Every young person deserves a platform to develop, showcase, and transform their ideas into real-world solutions,” Saine said. He emphasized that skills alone are insufficient in today’s economy, advocating for innovative thinking and adaptability. “A welder who cannot brand himself remains limited. A tailor without a digital payment system risks inefficiency,” he explained. Saine called for skills to be current, adaptable, and focused on solving real-world problems, with innovation extending to systems, services, and collaboration.
Saine urged the government to decentralize training centers, reduce financial barriers, and open procurement opportunities for youth-owned businesses. “Let’s invest in industrial corridors of the future—not just in urban headquarters, but in workshops, farms, and innovation hubs across every region,” he proposed.
Klaus Botzet, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, praised the GYCC for organizing an event centered on youth growth. He highlighted the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in filling gaps where government support is limited, creating jobs and opportunities. Noting the contributions of Gambian migrants returning to start businesses, Botzet called them “heroes” for helping build a new economy. “Well done, Gambian Youth Chamber of Commerce. I am grateful for your great work and happy to support you,” he said.
Pa Malick Ceesay, Executive Director of the President’s International Award Scheme, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Youth and Sports, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to embrace persistence, resilience, and a proactive mindset in pursuing their goals.
The Youth SkillRise and Innovation Forum marks a significant step in empowering Gambia’s youth, fostering collaboration, and driving economic progress. By providing a platform for innovation and dialogue, GYCC continues to inspire and support the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
