Gambia

<p>The ECOWAS<span>&nbsp;</span>ATCMA Programme is part of a broader initiative under the ATCMA umbrella Programme, with other regional components such as the ECCAS ATCMA , the SADC ATCMA &nbsp;and the COMESA ATCMA . It is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The programme aims to enhance trade competitiveness and market access in West Africa. In line with the AfCFTA, the programme focuses on improving regional competitiveness, integrating economies into continental and global value chains, and promoting sustainable trade between Africa and the EU.</p><p>Key objectives include supporting African countries in meeting international trade standards through improved testing, certification, and accreditation, while maximizing MSMEs&apos; export potential by addressing market access barriers, enhancing value addition, and promoting sustainability and technology transfer. The programme contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals, including economic growth, sustainable industrialization, responsible production, and gender equality.</p>

<p><br>The EU Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) Tourism and Creative Industries has an overall objective of increasing the competitiveness, inclusiveness, and sustainability of the tourism sector in The Gambia. It aims to create and sustain jobs, generate income, and boost economic incentives for climate change adaptation and green growth. The project focuses on women and youth as the main target beneficiaries. It will also put a special emphasis on vulnerable groups by creating quality jobs and pathways for skills development, business growth and sustainability. It will specifically address a variety of challenges and constraints of the sectors to: a) improve business environment and institutional ecosystem for the tourism sector and creative industries; b) foster investment and market access for the tourism sector and creative industries; and c) increase MSMEs competitiveness in tourism and creative industries.</p>

<p>The intervention will equip selected existing and new members of the ECOWAS Regional Trade Facilitation Committee and trade facilitation focal points of National AfCFTA Implementation Committees (both target committees) as well as other identified target groups with necessary knowledge, methodologies, tools, and skills to effectively design and mobilize funds for regional trade facilitation reforms, coordinate their implementation at community and national levels and monitor/evaluate results for Member States and their business communities in line with evolving priorities and international or regional best practices.</p>