Banjul, 27th February 2025: The President of the Republic, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Tuesday, 25th February, launched a landmark youth empowerment project, dubbed European Union- Youth Empowerment Project (EU-YEP) on Tourism and Creative Industries.
The launch ceremony was held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.
The EU-YEP initiative aims to boost competitiveness and support the tourism sector and the creative industries.
In his launching address, President Barrow called the new development as a landmark initiative that builds on the gains and insights derived from the YEP, and represents a new era for our tourism and creative sectors.
“It is also a momentous occasion that underscores my government’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowerment of the youth and women, and sustainable development through the enhancement of the vital and vibrant industries of tourism and the creative economy”.
He described tourism as part of the heart of the economy, a lifeline for thousands of Gambians, contributing about twenty percent (20%) of the GDP.
“Overall, the tourism sector caters for seventeen-point-three percent (17.3%) of employment, ranging from entrepreneurs and artists to tour operators, hospitality workers, communities upcountry, and local businesses in food processing, horticulture, ICT, and transport. This is enhanced by the vibrancy of the Gambian culture, which translates into the appealing harmony and warmth of the people”.
He posited that when complemented by its natural landscape, The Gambia would truly be a unique destination, capable of offering authentic experiences, peace, and hospitality.
However, he pointed out that for the country to remain competitive on the global stage, it must continually innovate, invest, and integrate sustainable practices into our tourism and creative industries.
“This is why my government has prioritised the development of tourism and creative industries as a key driver of economic diversification and job creation. Our solid commitment to this sector has led to strategic partnerships with key development actors. Today, we are celebrating the fruits of that commitment”.
The President congratulated the ITC, the European Union, and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, as well as the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment and all the stakeholders on this historic achievement.
Ms. Immaculaba Roca Corter, Ambassador of European Union to The Gambia said the launching of the joint initiative is a mark of commitment to building strong partnership between European Union and the Government of The Gambia, and to fostering economic and sustainable socio-economic development.
She said The Gambian youth has the potential to contribute to the Gambian economy. “This is a job creation initiative and tourism is a critical sector to the Gambia’s economy; it impacts agriculture, transportation, and education,” she added.
The project, Ms. Immaculaba Roca Corter said, will create job opportunities for the youth and women, adding that tourism and creative industries are more than just the economic sector; that “it has a unique way of promoting culture”.
The EU Ambassador thanked the President, Ministries of Tourism and Trade and International Trade Centre for their support and urged the youth need to take advantage of this opportunity.
Ms. Pamela Coke- Hameltor, Executive Director of International Trade Centre said there are many young talented Gambians who have stories to tell.
“The tourism sector is growing fast with new technologies and exciting innovations in the creative industries,” she stated.
Ida Cham Njai, representative of the private sector said women are engaged in the productive sector, and that with such initiative more opportunities will be provided, new products and services created, and ultimately transform The Gambia’s economy.
“We are hopeful that with this project we are taking the right direction. We challenge project management to remain focused on addressing real challenges, capacity building, project development, and creating markets. The private sector must partner, collaborate and innovate together with right government policy and strategic partnership of EU and ITC.
By Lamin Kujabi & Lamin Njie
