Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The United Democratic Party (UDP) says unemployment and limited economic opportunities continue to define the daily realities of many young Gambians, particularly graduates, skilled youth, and those living in rural communities.
In a press statement, the opposition party was responding to recent remarks by the Minister of Information, who claimed that sufficient job opportunities exist in The Gambia. The UDP said such assertions do not reflect the lived experiences of young people across the country.
According to the party, many young Gambians remain unemployed or underemployed despite having education and marketable skills.
It noted that while some graduates are idle, others are forced into poorly paid jobs that offer little security or prospects for advancement. The UDP also highlighted the challenges confronting rural youth, including weak infrastructure, limited access to capital, and a lack of viable economic opportunities.
The party said these conditions undermine young people’s ability to support themselves and their families and to plan meaningfully for the future. It linked youth unemployment to deeper structural problems, including inadequate job creation in both the public and private sectors.
In its statement, the UDP urged government officials to focus on practical and realistic policy responses rather than making public claims that, it said, contradict everyday realities. The party described attempts to blame young people for their economic hardship as unfair and irresponsible.
As part of its proposals, the UDP called for the establishment of nationally funded vocational and technical training centers aligned with labor market needs. It also proposed the creation of an independent youth enterprise and start-up fund to provide grants and low-interest loans, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, digital innovation, renewable energy, and the creative industries.
The party further advocated for the modernization of agriculture through mechanization, irrigation, and guaranteed markets, alongside land allocation and start-up support for young farmers. It also called for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the formalization of jobs in the informal sector.
Additionally, the UDP stressed the importance of good governance and accountability, arguing that corruption diverts resources meant for youth development and weakens overall economic progress.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to policies aimed at expanding opportunities and improving livelihoods for young Gambians.
