Empowering Gambian Entrepreneurs Through MSME Grant Financing and Support Program

Gambian Entrepreneurs Thrive with MSME Grant Financing

In a bid to support small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in The Gambia, the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) have been running a programme that provides entrepreneurs with business coaching, digital and financial literacy courses, and access to e-payment systems and e-commerce platforms. The impact of this initiative has been nothing short of transformative for the local business community.

One success story comes from Isatou Njie, CEO of Gambricks, who utilized the grant to invest in new machinery, resulting in a 25% increase in brick production. Other entrepreneurs, such as clothing maker K Creations, herbal tea producer Yaxare, and fashion designer Dignified, have also seen significant benefits from the programme. K Creations now runs completely on solar power, while Yaxare and Dignified have transitioned 70% of their machines to solar, saving thousands of Dalasis on electricity costs every month.

The grants, distributed through the Jobs, Skills and Finance (JSF) Programme, have been instrumental in providing comprehensive economic support to MSMEs in The Gambia. The collaboration between ITC, UNCDF, and local organizations such as the Gambia Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been crucial in ensuring the success of the programme.

A representative from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment praised the impact of the MSME grant financing, stating that it has been a game-changer for women entrepreneurs in the country. The success of the programme has inspired the ministry to provide similar support to other MSMEs in the future.

Yusupha Keita, technical advisor and coordinator for the Jobs, Skills and Finance Programme, emphasized the commitment of ITC to empower youth and women economically, highlighting the positive impact of their support programmes. The collaborative and innovative approach taken by the programme has proven to be highly effective in fostering entrepreneurship and business development in The Gambia.

Overall, the MSME grant financing programme has not only provided financial assistance to entrepreneurs but has also equipped them with the tools and resources needed to thrive in a competitive business environment. The success stories coming out of The Gambia are a testament to the positive impact of targeted support for MSMEs in driving economic growth and empowerment in the region.