President Adama Barrow presented a total of GMD 83,814,708.24 to Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, institutions during a press conference held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center on the 28 July 2026
The funding, provided under the Skills for Inclusive Growth, SIE, Fund, is aimed at expanding access to quality skills training and creating more opportunities for young people and women across The Gambia.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Barrow said the investment reflects his government’s commitment to making skills development the foundation for jobs, enterprise, and national development.
The disbursement was made under two windows:
Window One is Institutional Strengthening
A total of GMD 33,858,708.24 was awarded to 25 TVET institutions*. The funds will be used to upgrade infrastructure, purchase modern equipment, improve governance, and enhance the quality of programmes.
Window Two: Skills Training
GMD 49,956,000.00 was given to 18 institutions to deliver labour-market relevant training for youth and women. The goal is to equip beneficiaries with practical skills that match industry demand.
According to officials, the grants will support the modernization of workshops, upgrading of tools and equipment, improvement of instruction, and strengthening of management systems.
Key sectors targeted include Agribusiness, ICT, Engineering, Arts and Crafts, Tourism, and Business areas identified as critical for economic growth and youth employment.
New Window to Support Startups
The event also marked the launch of Window Three of the SIE Fund, the new window is to support the creation of 75 start-up businesses every year, directly linking skills training to entrepreneurship and job creation.
“This is about turning skills into businesses and businesses into jobs,” a government official noted during the presentation.
Beneficiaries Applaud Government
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, student Mathew Y. Badjie thanked President Barrow and his government for the consistent investment in youth empowerment.
“We appreciate this support because it gives us the tools, the training, and the opportunity to build our own future,” Badjie said.
The SIE Fund is part of government’s broader strategy to reduce youth unemployment by aligning education and training with the needs of the economy.
