By MariatouNgum
The Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE), Hon. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, recently handed over equipment worth over two million Dalasis to members of the SheTrades Hub at a ceremony held at the Ministry’s ground in Banjul.
The donation is funded by the Enhanced Integrated Framework Sustainability Support Project for Trade Development (EIF SSP) to empower women-led businesses in the country.
Twenty-one women entrepreneurs from the horticulture and fashion sectors received a range of equipment that include single needle chain stitch machines, buttonhole machines, embroidery machines, cover stitch sewing machines, industrial machines, sewing machines, grinding machines, dehydrators, automated packaging machines, solar dryers, stainless metal mixers among others.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Minister Joof informed the beneficiaries that this was the first batch of equipment being handed over to 21 outstanding entrepreneurs, with an additional 17 entrepreneurs set to receive their equipment by the end of September 2023 at a tune of three million Dalasis.
According to Minister Joof, the provision of the equipment represents a critical step forward in their mission to provide tangible support to the horticulture and fashion sectors that showcase the incredible potential of women entrepreneurs.
He said the tools donated to fashion entrepreneurs will not only enhance their craftsmanship but also expand their capacity to create high-quality garments that stand out in a competitive market. In the horticulture sector, he added, the machines donated to them will revolutionise their operations, allowing for increased efficiency, product quality, and market access.
“My Ministry extends its heartfelt gratitude to the generous funder of this equipment, EIF SSP. Their commitment to supporting women-led businesses is commendable, and their partnership in this endeavour has been instrumental in making this initiative a reality. Together, we are fostering economic growth, equality, and empowerment,” Minister Joof commended the EIF SSP.
The Trade Minister affirmed that this initiative is a testament of the government’s enduring commitment to championing gender equality and creating a level playing field for all entrepreneurs. “We believe that when women succeed, our entire nation prospers and wins,” he said, while encouraging the beneficiaries to harness the power of these tools to reach new heights of success.
Minister Joof reiterated government’s dedication to women-led businesses and the broader vision of an inclusive and prosperous future. “Together, we are building a nation where every entrepreneur, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive,” he concluded.
The beneficiaries took turn to thank the EIF SSP through the Ministry of Trade for the laudable support while assuring that the equipment will be put to good use.
It is important to note that the SheTrades HUB is a programme anchored at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment under the Trade Directorate and it is an initiative of ITC and it is meant to provide support for women in business, by providing a dedicated programme, and platform that fosters growth, innovation, employment and networking opportunities.