By Sainabou Sambou
Addressing the gathering at the launch of the maiden National Employment Forum, Mr Baboucarr O. Joof, Minister of Trade Industry Regional Integration and Employment, underscored the need to tackle youth unemployment and job stereotyping by implementing public employment programmes focused on migration and job creation.
The National Employment Forum was held on December 17th at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, under the theme: ‘Creating employment through strategic investment and innovative skills’. The forum was organised by The Gambia Government through the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, with the support of the European Union.
Further in his deliberation, the Minister said the theme of the forum redefines and repositions his ministry’s commitment to addressing the dynamic labour market needs amidst national and global advancements in technology. “The theme reflects the government’s collective commitment to advancing employment opportunities through creative and forward-thinking, forward-looking strategies,” he added.
He made reference to the National Employment Policy, which aims to create 150,000 decent jobs by 2026, driven by innovative strategies and strengthened partnerships. He reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to implementing the employment policy and enforcing the Labour Act 2023. “With this undertaking, we wish to focus on creating an enabling environment for job creation, promoting private-sector-led economic growth, and ensuring that our labour market adapts to the evolving global labour management trends,” Mr Joof asserted.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President of the Republic, Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, said the National Employment Forum was a testament to collective commitment to addressing depressing challenges of unemployment and ensuring a brighter future for all Gambians, particularly the youth.
“The theme of this forum: ‘Creating employment through strategic investment and innovation’, underscores government's dedication to sustainable development through job creation, inclusive growth and the empowerment of the people; especially the youth and women. Achieving these goals requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including job seekers, employers, workers and employment champions,” he remarked.
