Independence Stadium — The Transformation Continues A look at the current state of the Independence Stadium as rehabilitation works continue. Step by step, the nation’s iconic sporting venue is taking shape again. 🇬🇲⚽🏃♂️ The finish line is getting closer.
Independence Stadium — The Transformation Continues Read More »
The Gambian Delegation led by Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bulli Dibba, is currently at YouthConnekt Sahel Forum’26 in Niger, Niamey to join other countries from 10 to 12 August to connect, innovate and invest in Sahelian youth.The theme for the this year’s event is “Sahelian Youth: Refoundation, Security and Prosperity for a Sovereign, United and Resilient Sahel.” The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of The Gambia, representing the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, participated in the YouthConnekt Sahel Forum Steering Committee Meeting held on 10 August 2026 in Niger, Niamey. The meeting brought together Youth ministers and key stakeholders to advance discussions on the institutionalization, sustainability and governance of the YouthConnekt Sahel Forum, which was established as the first regional platform of YouthConnekt Africa. Among the key issues discussed was the institutionalization process of the YouthConnekt Sahel Forum, including the validation of its Charter, governance pillars and procedures for hosting future editions of the Forum. The Committee also discussed mechanisms for monitoring and follow up on commitments and recommendations emerging from previous editions, particularly in continuity with the N’Djamena Declaration. The discussions further focused on ensuring that YouthConnekt Sahel evolves into a sustainable, legitimate and effective regional platform for economic, social and civic transformation, capable of strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring that the priorities of young people across the Sahel are reflected in continental youth policy processes. As YouthConnekt Sahel enters a new phase of institutionalization, The Gambia remains committed to strengthening youth leadership, regional solidarity and meaningful youth participation in shaping the future of the Sahel. #YouthConnektSehalForum’26#Niamey
The Ministry of Youth and Sports on Friday, 7 August, received His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Belhaj, Chargé d’Affaires of the Kingdom of Morocco in The Gambia, for a farewell visit at the Ministry’s office in Banjul. Morocco and The Gambia have enjoyed a longstanding partnership, with cooperation extending to key areas including sports and education, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building and stronger people-to-people relations. Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, expressed appreciation to His Excellency for his engagement and contribution to strengthening the relationship between the two states. The Minister wished Mr. Belhaj every success in his future endeavours, while expressing confidence that the strong ties between the two countries will continue to grow.
Today, we officially kicked off a two-day capacity building training for Ministerial Focal Persons on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), bringing together 40 participants from various government ministries. The training aims to strengthen institutional coordination and enhance the effective implementation of The Gambia’s Youth, Peace and Security agenda across government structures. The opening ceremony was chaired by the Executive Director of the National Youth Council, Mr. Alagie Jarju, who welcomed participants and underscored the critical role of ministries in translating the YPS framework into tangible actions that positively impact young people nationwide. The event was graced by the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Mandisa Mashologu, who delivered the keynote statement. In her address, she reaffirmed UNDP’s strong commitment to supporting The Gambia’s peacebuilding and youth empowerment efforts. She emphasized that young people are not only beneficiaries but also key actors in sustaining peace, preventing conflict, and strengthening social cohesion. Ms. Mandisa Mashologu highlighted the importance of equipping ministerial focal persons with the knowledge and skills to mainstream Youth, Peace and Security into sectoral policies, planning, and implementation. She further noted that investing in youth participation and inclusive governance is essential for long-term peace and national development. Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Abass Bah stressed the Government’s continued dedication to the Youth, Peace and Security agenda. He highlighted that The Gambia has made significant strides, including the establishment of a Technical Working Group that coordinated the development of the country’s first-ever National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (NAP-YPS). He also acknowledged the series of capacity-building initiatives for the Technical Working Group and the nationwide popularization of the NAP-YPS, noting that this training is a crucial step toward deepening ownership and coordination at the ministerial level. He called on participants to actively engage and champion YPS principles within their respective institutions. The training seeks to: ✔️ Strengthen understanding of the Youth, Peace and Security framework ✔️ Enhance coordination among ministries on YPS implementation ✔️ Support the mainstreaming of YPS into national and sectoral policies ✔️ Build the capacity of focal persons to effectively contribute to peacebuilding and youth inclusion This important initiative is being implemented with support from the Infrastructure for Peace Project, funded by the Peacebuilding Fund through UNDP. Together, we continue to invest in young people as agents of peace, stability, and sustainable development in The Gambia.
This morning, I delivered the opening statement at the Orientation of the 2nd Cohort of the National Youth Service Graduate Programme (NaYSGraP), hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports through the NYSS – The Gambia. This initiative is very close to my heart, as it is designed to create meaningful employment opportunities for recent graduates from various universities in the country. With the support of our valued partners, UNDP and UTG, we are helping to build a pathway for young Gambians to gain professional experience, contribute to national development, and prepare for leadership in the future. Our young people are our greatest resource, and programs like this reaffirm our commitment to investing in their potential. I congratulate the new cohort and wish them every success in their service.
Opening Statement by Minister Badjie at NYSS 2nd Cohort Orientation Read More »
Gambia Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing National Football Team has powered their way into the semi-finals of the 13th West Africa Deaf Football Tournament held in Abuja, Nigeria. Backed with a One Million Dalasis support by the Government of the Gambia through Ministry of Youth & Sports , the 13-man squad has shown resilience and pride, battling through a tough group stage to secure their spot among the region’s best. They are set to face Liberia today, Wednesday, 27th August 2025. The Deaf Scorpions are chasing history as they continue to fly The Gambia’s flag high on the continental stage.
With D1Million Support from MOYS, Deaf Scorpions Storm to Semi-Finals in Nigeria! Read More »
One Hundred (100) young university graduates gathered Wednesday morning at the The President’s International Award,the Gambia in Bakau to mark the launch of the 2nd batch of the National Youth Service Graduate Program under the NYSS – The Gambia. The flagship initiative, funded by the Government of the Gambia through Ministry of Youth & Sports in collaboration with UNDP, provides young Gambians with a one-year paid internship designed to bridge the gap between graduation and employment. The program kicks off with an intensive two-week training camp where participants will sharpen their knowledge, skills, and workplace competencies including soft skills, ethics, technical expertise, and personal development. Modules on nationalism, volunteerism, and patriotism are woven into the curriculum, reinforcing the program’s focus on preparing graduates not just for jobs, but for responsible citizenship. In his keynote address, Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Bakary Y. Badjie , highlighted the significance of the program. “Since last year, we began with hundreds of participants, and this year we are expanding to thousands,” Mr. Badjie said. “Despite funding challenges, our commitment remains unwavering. To the young people gathered here, know that you are part of something truly special. Out of more than 300 applicant that applied, only 100 of you were selected. This is a rare opportunity make the most of it.” Minister Badjie emphasized that the program goes beyond policy—it is a practical pathway for young graduates to gain meaningful work experience, develop professional skills, and explore both employment and self-employment opportunities. Samba Jallow of UNDP The Gambia also lauded the initiative, noting that the program aligns with broader international development goals and has the President’s full endorsement. “The President’s call for youth participation underscores that this program is fully in the interest of the Gambian people,” he said. Dr. Lamin B. Ceesay, Director of Student Affairs and Alumni Advancement at the University of The Gambia, reinforced the transformative potential of the program. “Youth unemployment is one of the greatest challenges facing our country,” Dr. Ceesay noted. “This initiative bridges academic learning with the world of work, equipping our graduates with the practical skills, values, and civic responsibility needed to serve our nation.” Mustapha Badjie , the newly appointed Executive Director of National Youth Serviec scheme NYSS gave the Overview of the program and commend the technical working group for proactivenesss.
100 Young Graduates Embark on Transformative National Youth Service Program Read More »
The National Sports Council (NSC) wishes to provide clarifications regarding the planned upgrading of the Stadium’s hybrid pitch, following recent public discussions around the project. The NSC acknowledges an ongoing process to hire a foreign company through a subcontractor arrangement that meets requirements of our procurement laws to assist in upgrading and maintain the pitch. NSC however emphasizes that the hybrid pitch installed at the beginning of the stadium remodelling remains in place and has never been removed, nor is the foreign company going to re-install a new pitch, as has been speculated. Their mandate focuses on: 1. Supplying specialized maintenance equipment which are not available in the country. 2. Rehabilitating the existing pitch, treating fungal infections, and correcting uneven surfaces (conditions that were as a result of lack of proper equipment and skilled personnel to carry our required routine functions as would be of a hybrid pitch). 3. Training local staff on proper pitch upkeep techniques, including operation of the new machinery. The contractor, upon completing the above primary assignment, will remain in The Gambia for two months to ensure full knowledge transfer and capacity building among local staff. “The NSC acknowledges past challenges in pitch maintenance and the Ministry has introduced robust measures to prevent similar issues in the future,” said NSC Communications and PR Manager, Sara Camara. “By prioritizing equipment procurement and staff training, we aim to ensure sustainable, long-term care of the pitch without reliance on external expertise.”
PRESS RELEASE: Update on Independence Stadium Pitch Upgrade and Supply of Equipment Read More »
Vacancy Announcement for Department of Youth and Sports under Ministry of Youth & Sports Public Service Commission of The Gambia invites applications for the following positions under the Department of Youths and Sports: Senior Youth Coordinator – Grade 9 Sports Coordinator – Grade 8 Youth Assistant – Grade 5 Sports Assistant – Grade 5 Please follow the link below to apply https://pscgov.gm/vacancies-1/ Location: The Quadrangle, Banjul, The Gambia Contact: +220 4227324 / 9965254 Email: info@pscgov.gm
Vacancy Announcement for Department of Youth and Sports Read More »
The Ministry of Youth & Sports (MOYS) has provided a total of D8.4 million to Gambian sports in the month of July 2025. This support has helped in the country recently achieving its highest ever medals at international competitions and being crown champions in several sports, thus propelling the dreams of our young athletes. The breakdown of the disbursement is as follows: 1. D7 million went to the Gambia National Olympic Committee for Gambia’s participation in the African School Games — featuring basketball, beach volleyball, athletics, long jump, wrestling, judo, and swimming. 2. D1 million was given to the Gambia Basketball Association for the Zone 2 Afrobasket Ball Championship in Guinea. 3. D300,000 supported the Berewuleng Football Club female team in the CAF WAFU A African Club Championship. 4. D100,000 to celebrated Gambian students in Medina who made us proud by winning the Student World Cup in Saudi Arabia! From the courts to the tracks, the sandy beaches, and even academic arenas, Gambians are making waves, and the government, through the Ministry of Youth & Sports is making sure our champions have the support they deserve.
July Monthly Update on Government Financial Support to Sport Associations Read More »
