The Minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, Baboucarr O. Joof, has reiterated that women-led businesses are powerful drivers of economic growth and sustainable development.
The Trade Minister was speaking during the launching of the private sector coalition to advance gender equality and the public procurement guide to support MSMEs, held Tuesday at the International Trade Centre office in Baku.
While women-led businesses fuel the economy, he noted, access to public procurement opportunities has often been limited due to various challenges, including regulatory barriers, lack of awareness and financial constraints.
“As such, the launch of the Private Sector Coalition to advance gender equality and launch of the public procurement guide to support MSMEs, especially women-led businesses, to effectively participate in trade is very timely,” he said.
According to him, the private sector is critical in the development of any nation and collaboration and partnerships must be enhanced optimally “if we are to realize our development aspirations” including gender equality.
“This launching is particularly timely as the GPPA Act was amended in 2022 and the regulations gazetted in 2024,” Minister Joof said. “This moment presents a golden opportunity for women-led businesses to harness the benefits of public procurement, reinforcing our commitment to fostering economic empowerment and inclusivity.”
The guide serves as a practical tool to bridge these gaps, he said, adding that empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources needed to compete effectively in public tenders is highly essential.
“I must acknowledge the immense efforts and contributions of one of the key partners of the SheTrades Gambia Hub and my ministry; the Women’s Business Advocacy Group (WBAG) with its secretariat at the GCCI,” he observed.
The women groups have been very instrumental in the gains in women empowerment especially on gender responsive public procurement, he stated, saying: “We look forward to building on the gains made thus far.
“By launching this guide in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025, it reaffirms and demonstrates the commitment of the Government of The Gambia particularly my Ministry in advancing gender equality in economic development by enhancing opportunities for women entrepreneurs to access government contracts and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.”
He emphasised that the development of the guide was in line with the private sector and trade priorities in the Recovery Focused National Development Plan.
However, he said, to further support this endeavour at the policy level “we must not forget our efforts to adopt the Gender Responsive Public Procurement Policy”.
