The Gambia, ITC launches project promoting tourism and creative industries, led by women and youth
(Banjul) – Women and young entrepreneurs in The Gambia are set to drive and benefit from investment in sustainable, community-based tourism and creative industries across the country, with the launch of a project led by the government, supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and funded by the European Union.
A new five-year project that seeks to improve the competitiveness, inclusiveness and sustainability of the tourism and creative industries, especially aiming at women and young people, has been launched by the International Trade Centre in The Gambia, with the support of the European Union.
The EU Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) – Tourism and Creative Industries is under the umbrella of the Gambian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in close partnership with the Ministry Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment.
Funded by the European Union, the 9.9-million-euro project will be implemented by ITC in partnership with the government of The Gambia and local and international business support organizations (BSOs) and institutions.
This new project builds on the achievements of the initial EU-funded Youth Empowerment Project (2017-2022), that aimed to create and maintain jobs, generate income and boost economic incentives for climate change adaptation and green growth.
‘The Youth Empowerment Project that we are launching today follows the goals underlined in the Yiriwaa, The Gambia’s National Development Plan 2023-2027, to put front and centre the immense potential for growing the tourism and creative industries in sustainable and inclusive manner. This project reaches micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and also the local institutions that they rely on every day - such as the business support organizations,’ says Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, ITC.
‘This project complements our vision to the improve the business environment, attract investments, and support MSMEs to become globally competitive. Through the project’s targeted interventions such as product development, marketing and branding, skills training, institutional strengthening, and enhancing backward linkages, we expect impactful contributions in creating an enabling ecosystem that enhances economic opportunities for Gambians,’ remarks His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia.
‘The EU-YEP Tourism and Creative Industries Project is part of a broader framework under the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021–2024, which reflects our long-term vision for The Gambia. This initiative builds upon the successes of previous projects, including the Jobs, Skills, and Finance (JSF), Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), and other ongoing development programs, including investments, skills, and environment. Most importantly, this project will serve as a multiplier for economic progress. It will generate employment, enhance livelihoods, stimulate rural and urban economies, and create opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable communities,’ says Immaculada Roca I Cortes, EU Ambassador to The Gambia.
‘Imagine a private sector where the business environment is enabling, capacities are strengthened, and women are actively engaged in productive sectors of the economy. This is not just a vision — it’s a necessity. This is what the private sector truly wants. With such an environment in place, we can unlock new opportunities, innovate new products and services, create jobs, and ultimately transform The Gambia’s economy for the better,’ says Ida Cham Njai, Community Based Entrepreneur.
Notes for the Editor:
About the implementing partner, the International Trade Centre – The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, visit www.intracen.org. Follow ITC on Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Flickr
About the donor, the European Union (EU) – The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect or human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit.
About the EU Youth Empowerment Project - Tourism and Creative Industries – EU Youth Empowerment Project - Tourism and Creative Industries, funded by the European Union, is a 5-year initiative of the International Trade Centre in partnership with Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment that seeks to increase the competitiveness, inclusiveness and sustainability of the tourism sector in The Gambia. The project focuses on women and youth as the main target beneficiaries. The project will support the country to diversify source markets and attract more visitors year-round, including tourists with higher purchasing power. At the same time, the initiative will boost The Gambia’s offering of green and inclusive tourism services and improve value chain linkages.
For more information, contact:
Bubacarr Trawally
Communication and Knowledge Management
International Trade Centre
E: btrawally [at] intracen.org (btrawally[at]intracen[dot]org)
