The Gambia Songhai Initiative-GSI under the Ministry of Youth & Sports , today marked a major milestone with the graduation of its 12th cohort, as 47 young Gambians successfully completed a one-year intensive training in modern and climate-smart agriculture.
The Class of 2025 includes 21 men and 27 women, among them two persons with disabilities and one migrant returnee, trained under a programme implemented by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in partnership with UNDP The Gambia , and modelled on the renowned Songhai model from Benin.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie , reaffirmed government’s strong commitment to GSI, describing it as a centre of excellence for agricultural training and youth employment, aligned with President Adama Barrow’s vision for self-reliance and food security.
He also acknowledged the continued support of partners, including UNDP and FAO, and announced ongoing expansion efforts to increase student intake in the coming years.
Permanent Secretary, Mr . Bulli Dibba applauded the graduates for their resilience, reminding them that they were selected from over 100 applicants, making their achievement both rare and commendable.
Also speaking was Mbye Saine, Project Coordinator at The Gambia Songhai Initiative-GSI under Ministry of Youth and Sports, said the initiative was created to respond directly to youth unemployment, rural poverty, and the need to modernise agriculture, making it productive, sustainable, and attractive to young people.
Representing the Governor of North Bank Region, Deputy Governor Dembo Samateh described agriculture as the backbone of the economy, noting that the skills acquired by the graduates are life-shaping tools that reposition farming as a dignified and profitable profession, not a last resort.
Speaking on behalf of UNDP Resident Representative, Samba Jallow said the graduation goes beyond certificates, stressing that it reflects a new development narrative for The Gambia — one that places young people, innovation, and resilience at the centre of national transformation.
