(BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Start-up Chamber of Commerce (GSCC), in collaboration with Jaama Youth Agro-preneurs Network, recently concluded a 10-day training program aimed at equipping 31 young entrepreneurs with essential skills in agro-food processing, labeling, and packaging. The training, held at Fadema Multimedia, focused on processing cereals, nuts, herbs, and vegetables, ensuring that participants left with practical knowledge and hands-on experience.
The program also included sessions on marketing strategies, quality control, and business management to help the participants effectively bring their products to market. Throughout the training, participants were able to network with industry experts and receive feedback on their product ideas. By the end of the program, many of the entrepreneurs expressed excitement about applying their new skills and knowledge to their own businesses, with some already making plans to launch their products in the coming months. The GSCC and Jaama Youth Agro-Preneurs Network are committed to supporting these young entrepreneurs as they continue to grow and succeed in the agro-food processing industry.
During the closing ceremony, Abdou Sula Bojang, a representative from Jaama Youth Agro-Preneurs, highlighted the achievements of the participants, who successfully produced 14 different food items by the end of the program. He emphasized that the training goes beyond the workshop, as Jaama Youth Agro-preneurs will continue to guide participants in registering their businesses and navigating market entry.
“We will offer one-month coaching programs to enhance the effective promotion of food processing in The Gambia,” Bojang stated, underscoring the commitment to ongoing support and development.
Babucarr Kebbeh, CEO of the Gambia Start-up Chamber of Commerce, applauded the trainees for their dedication and hard work. He expressed high expectations for the participants, encouraging them to develop their products, create strong brands, and bring them to market. Kebbeh also emphasized the broader objectives of the GSCC, which include supporting start-ups until they employ four or five people, at which point they can join the chamber.
“Our goal is to see the production and availability of homemade food items by the next trade fair,” Kebbeh said, adding that GSCC will collaborate with the Ministry of Higher Education to ensure that start-up entrepreneurs and SMEs are included in the recently launched Skill, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (SIE) Fund Project by the president.
Jarju, Executive Director of the National Youth Council, encouraged participants to remain hardworking and persistent. He urged them to support one another and maintain close ties with the GSCC to access grants and loans that can help build their businesses.
Saikou Sanka Bojang, also known as Chef Bojang, stressed the importance of producing homemade products and using the training to penetrate both national and international markets. He called for collaboration and mutual support among participants to promote food processing in the country.
“In growing together, we become better together. Let’s strengthen our productivity chain towards success,” Chef Bojang said.
Awa Touray, one of the participants, shared her personal experience, expressing how the training has illuminated her path and left a lasting impact. “I can now produce and preserve locally made foods in a healthier way. I will use the knowledge gained from this training to give back to the community,” she said.
The initiative by GSCC and Jaama Youth Agro-preneurs Network represents a significant step towards fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency among the youth in The Gambia, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.
