On February 25, 2025, President Adama Barrow officially launched the EU-YEP Tourism and Creative Industries Project at the SDKJICC. The initiative aims to strengthen The Gambia's tourism sector, which is a significant part of the country's economy.
Tourism contributes approximately 20% of The Gambia's GDP and provides employment for 17.3% of the workforce, encompassing a wide range of professions from entrepreneurs to local businesses in various sectors. "All those familiar with the economic situation of The Gambia know that Tourism is at the heart of our economy," President Barrow stated.
The new project seeks to build on previous successes from the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) and represents a commitment by the government to promote economic growth through youth and women's empowerment as well as sustainable development within tourism and creative industries. President Barrow emphasized that innovation and sustainable practices are essential for maintaining global competitiveness: "For the country to remain competitive on the global stage, however, we must continually innovate, invest, and integrate sustainable practices into our tourism and creative industries."
The government has set an ambitious target of creating 150,000 new jobs by 2028 as part of its broader development agenda. "This project complements our vision to improve the business environment, attract investments, and support Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises to become globally competitive," Barrow noted.
President Barrow challenged stakeholders involved in this initiative to ensure it delivers tangible impacts nationwide: "I strongly challenge the ITC project team, stakeholders, and all partners to make sure that this project delivers tangible impact nationwide."
The European Union (EU) and International Trade Centre (ITC) were acknowledged for their roles as key partners in this endeavor. "The European Union and the International Trade Centre have proven to be invaluable partners in our journey towards economic transformation," said President Barrow.
In closing remarks during this launch event celebrating The Gambia’s Diamond Jubilee year since independence from British colonial rule six decades ago today - he reaffirmed his government's dedication towards fulfilling promises made previously while looking forward optimistically toward future progress: “Distinguished ladies & gentlemen my government has made a promise…we pray God keeps every one ever true homeland.”
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