The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) with funding from Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of the Gambia has launched the Resilience-Building Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project (RVWYSP) in Nianija, Chamen Central River Region (CRR) North.
The multimillion-dollar project, launched on Monday 11 May 2026, is funded by the African Development Bank and the Government of the Gambia and is being implemented by the National Social Protection Agency.
The delegation were received by Honourable Seedy SK Njie Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, the Governor of the Central River Region, Ousman Bah, and community members.
Muhammad B.S. Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia, delivered the keynote at the launch, noting that this is a foundation of GoTG’s commitment to a society where vulnerable people are protected, empowered, and given opportunities to thrive commitment “firmly anchored in the Yiruwa” – the government’s development framework.
He said the project comes at critical time Gov’t had identified youth unemployment, social vulnerability, regional disparities as key challenges under Yiruwa. “Project is both timely and strategically aligned with national priorities,” he noted.
He further stated that under President Adama Barrow, the Government of The Gambia will ensure development reaches those who need it most.
VP Jallow made emphasis on expanding economic opportunities for youth and women, saying the goal is to reduce unemployment and address underlying drivers of irregular migration.
According to him, women and youth are actors, not just beneficiaries but central to development.
Saikou Jeng, Executive Director of the National Social Protection Agency, speaking at the launch, tied the project directly to NSPA’s mandate and the national social protection agenda.
“This project is not just a development intervention; it’s an investment in people, dignity, opportunity, resilience, and hope, adding that it goes beyond reacting to vulnerability – it’s about prevention, risk reduction, and strengthening human capital,” he stated.
He called AfDB a trusted and valued development partner in Gambia’s journey to inclusive growth/poverty reduction, however, he said AfDB’s support shows deep understanding of vulnerable communities’ challenges across the country.
He called on the community beneficiaries to take the ownership of the project while using the opportunities provided and renew commitment to protect vulnerable people, empower women, and strengthen service delivery.
Saffie Dambelly, Project Director, explained that the project will improve livelihoods, strengthen health and nutrition outcomes, and build resilience among vulnerable youth, women, and communities in five (5) Local Government Areas such as URR, CRR South and North, LRR and West Coast Region.
“As part of the implementation, the project will rebuild/renovate four health facilities. All the health facilities will be equipped with modern ambulances and health outreach vehicles,” he explained.
He emphasised that the project will provide equipment to the TVET and Multipurpose Skills centres in Julangel and Kuntaur, entrepreneurship training for youth- and women-owned SMEs across several regions.
Aminata Burno Trawally, AfDB representative, said the project is financed through the African Development Fund’s Transition Support Facility ( TSF), which is specifically designed to support countries and communities facing fragility, vulnerability, and resilience challenges.
She indicated that across Africa, young people and women continue to face enormous challenges on employment, climate shocks, food insecurity, and limited access to quality health and economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
She emphasised that the absence of opportunities pushes young people to lose hope, leave their communities, or undertake dangerous and irregular migration journeys in search for a better future.
“The African Development Bank believes that Africa’s greatest asset is its people, especially its youth,” she stated.
