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Thirty young Gambian leaders, selected by the Ministry of Youth & Sports from various entrepreneurial backgrounds, have kicked off a two-week intensive seminar on Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership in Beijing, China. The training is facilitated by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) under China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), as part of ongoing China Aid programs aimed at supporting capacity building in developing nations. Day One got off to a powerful start, with sessions designed to broaden participants’ global outlook and strengthen their innovation mindset. In the morning, Former Ambassador Chen Mingming from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered an eye-opening lecture on China’s National Conditions, tracing the country’s remarkable development journey, leadership structure, and its growing impact on global affairs—offering valuable inspiration to the emerging Gambian changemakers. Later in the day, the focus shifted to the booming digital economy, with a deep dive into Cross-Border E-Commerce Platforms and how such models can be adapted to the Gambian business landscape to drive youth innovation and trade opportunities. The seminar, which runs until July 22, 2025, is not just a learning platform—it’s a space for connection, exchange, and long-term collaboration between Gambia and China. Organizers hope the program becomes both a bridge of cooperation and a gateway to new ideas, empowering participants to return home with renewed purpose and a toolkit for driving national development.

The second batch of the 55-member delegation is now in Beijing for a two-week Seminar on Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Gambia, hosted by AIBO under China’s Ministry of Commerce. This all-Gambian group of youth leaders and entrepreneurs was nominated by the Ministry of Youth & Sports , with support from the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia . The opening ceremony featured remarks from Mr. Mbye Saine project coordinator of The Gambia Songhai Initiative-GSI and Mr. Wu Wei the organiser in the China ministry of commerce who both emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, innovation, and China-Gambia cooperation. The seminar will explore China’s development model, digital innovation, and leadership strategies to help our young change-makers drive national progress.

On the invitation of the Moroccan Minister of Youth, Sports and Communication, Hon. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Hon. Minister of Ministry of Youth & Sports Bakary Y. Badjie is currently in Marrakech to attend the opening ceremony of the Marrakech OIC Youth Capital International Programme. While in Marrakech, the Hon. Minister held bilateral meetings with his host Minister and the President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, H.E. Taha Ayhan. These engagements aim to strengthen the already existing relationships between the parties and explore ways to foster future cooperation for the mutual benefit of our youth constituents.

Saturday 28th June 2025. The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie paid a surprise visit to the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) headquarters to meet with corps members and assess their well-being following a heavy downpour of rain. During the visit, the minister took time to interact with the corps members, commending their dedication and resilience despite the temporary discomforts they may be experiencing. He reminded them that their presence at the NYSS is a patriotic sacrifice aimed at preparing them for deployment to various skill centres across the country. Hon. Badjie stressed the importance of being patriotic, responsible, and respectful, emphasizing that these values are the foundation of becoming good citizens. He assured the corps members that everything happening on campus from the training sessions to the physical routines is designed to ensure their welfare and physical well-being are develop.Equally build their capacity for national development. “The government wants to see young people become skilful, productive, and empowered not just job seekers, but job creators and employers” he said. He encouraged the corps members to take the skills training seriously, maintain discipline, and adhere to the principles of respect and order. He concluded by expressing confidence that the young people undergoing orientation today will emerge as valuable contributors to national progress.

Ministry of Youth & Sports  today held a  send-off ceremony for 55 young Gambians set to benefit from international training opportunities in China, Morocco, and Senegal—thanks to ongoing partnerships with the Chinese Embassy and other allies. Hon. Minister Bakary Y. Badjie led the ceremony, applauding the diversity and determination of the group. Who’s going where? ? 44 heading to China for seminars in sports, culture, tourism, entrepreneurship, and leadership ? 2 selected for the Islamic World Youth Conference in Morocco ? 9 off to Dakar for the ECOWAS Regional Youth Conference “This is more than travel—it’s about growth,” Minister Badjie said. “You carry the flag of The Gambia. Go and shine.” The delegates include Government officials, Entrepreneurs , university students, youth leaders, persons with disabilities, and regional representatives—carefully chosen to reflect the country’s vibrant youth landscape. Senior officials, including DPS Musa Mbye and Director Abass Bah, encouraged the group to stay focused and return ready to contribute. Councillor Baboucarr Mansally delivered a moving vote of thanks, while Senior Planner Mamalang Ceesay shared inspiring stories from past trainees. We wish them success as they represent The Gambia on the global stage!

During the ongoing Senior Management Team (SMT) meeting of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, heads of satellite institutions delivered comprehensive updates on their quarterly activities, highlighting achievements, challenges, and the way forward. Mr. Mahmoud Lamin Jawla, Acting Executive Director of The Gambia National Sports Council – NSC , was first to present. He emphasized the progress made in finalizing the institution’s legal framework, which is expected to strengthen their mandate in sports governance and administration. Mr. Alagie Jarju , Executive Director of the National Youth Council – The Gambia , gave updates on the ongoing Youth Congress and detailed the milestones reached, while also noting some of the constraints faced during the process. Mr. Mustapha Badjie, Deputy Director of the NYSS – The Gambia , reported on the ongoing apprenticeship program, which currently hosts young participants from across the country at the NYSS training campus. Madam Mam Lissa Camara, General Manager of the National Enterprise Development Initiative NEDI , spoke on the series of trainings being conducted in entrepreneurship and skills development. She also mentioned recent support packages received by beneficiaries, including access to loans, grants, and an international training trip to China facilitated by the Ministry. Mr. Pa Malick Ceesay, Executive Director of the The President’s International Award,the Gambia , gave insight into ongoing programmes at their skills centers in Bakau and Kerewan. He also updated the meeting on the current status of the conference center renovation project being supported by the Ministry. Lastly, Mr. Mbye Saine, Project Coordinator of the The Gambia Songhai Initiative-GSI based in Chamen, North Bank Region, highlighted the strides made in their agro-processing activities and the overall impact of the project on youth empowerment in the region. The SMT meeting is part of efforts to evaluate, coordinate, and strengthen institutional alignment with the Ministry’s strategic goals. The meeting was presided by Honourable Minister Bakary Y. Badjie and coordinated by the Department of Youth and Sports under the leadership of Mr. Abass Bah.

The Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, has issued a compelling call to action during deliberations at the ongoing Senior Management Team (SMT) meeting held at the meeting room of Independence Stadium. Addressing directors and heads of satellite institutions under the Ministry, Minister Badjie reminded his team of the weight of their collective responsibility: “Let us never forget why we are here. Our mandate is clear to all of us — serve the youth, uplift sports, and build a future where every young Gambian finds purpose and pride”. The quarterly SMT meeting serves as a high-level platform for strategic dialogue, performance review, and alignment of institutional priorities towards youth empowerment and sports development across The Gambia.