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Independence Stadium Nears Completion as U-20 Team Set for Ground Testing training on the Pitch The Ministry of Youth & Sports wishes to inform the public that renovation works at the Independence Stadium are nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in efforts to restore and upgrade the country’s premier sports facility. As part of the pitch consulting company – Gregori International – ground testing requirements, a scheduled training involving the female National Under-20 Team will take place on Tuesday, 28th April 2026. This exercise is aimed at helping the contractor assess the pitch safety, ball movement, and proper traction. In light of the ongoing works and to ensure safety and smooth coordination, the training will be played strictly behind CLOSE DOORS. Access to the stadium will, therefore, be restricted. The general public, as well as members of the media, are kindly advised that they will not be permitted entry for this training. The Ministry appreciates the understanding and continued patience of the public during this final phase of the renovation process. Further updates regarding the official reopening and subsequent activities at the stadium will be communicated in due course. Ministry of Youth and Sports 27th April , 2026

The Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports visited Mboyo Field to inspect ongoing final works on the Mini Stadium project, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to improving sports infrastructure and expanding opportunities for youth development ahead of the Naweetan season. “I went on a visit to “Mboyo Field” to see the final works on the court. After the contractor had to redo the court floor, they are now doing the final painting and markings. The Ministry of Youth & Sports funded mini stadium (football, basketball, volleyball & handball) will be innagurated and available for use by the SK Central Zone before this naweetan season”.

At the ongoing ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026, The Gambia’s Minister of Youth & Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie , continues to amplify the voice of young people at the global stage. Speaking as a panelist at a high-level side event organised by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye, the Minister joined global leaders to discuss “Youth Innovation for Sustainable Development: Strengthening Inclusive Technology Ecosystems.” At a time when the world is racing towards the 2030 Agenda, Hon. Badjie underscored the growing impact of young people in shaping solutions to real challenges—from unemployment to climate change and social inclusion. He noted that in The Gambia and beyond, youth are not waiting for change—they are creating it. However, he stressed that potential alone is not enough. Real progress demands deliberate investment in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and enabling environments that allow young innovators to thrive. The Minister highlighted three urgent priorities including expanding access to funding, internet, and mentorship • Ensuring inclusion of women, rural youth, and marginalized communities • Strengthening partnerships across sectors He further called for education systems that nurture creativity, critical thinking, and digital competence—skills essential for today’s world. He maintained that young people are not just beneficiaries of development—they are key partners in building resilient economies and a more inclusive, sustainable future.

Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth & Sports is expected to participate in a high-level panel discussion tomorrow, 15th April 2026, at the ECOSOC Youth Forum Side Event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Held under the theme “Youth Innovation for Sustainable Development: Strengthening Inclusive Technology Ecosystems,” the event will bring together global leaders, policymakers and youth champions to advance conversations on youth-driven innovation. Representing The Gambia, Hon. Badjie will join other distinguished speakers to share perspectives on youth empowerment, innovation, and the importance of creating inclusive systems that support young people in a rapidly changing world. The Minister is accompanied by a delegation of technocrats, including the Permanent Secretary and the Executive Director of the National Youth Council – The Gambia reflecting government’s continued commitment to placing young people at the centre of national development. With notable figures such as Taha Ayhan, Ahmet Yıldız and Felipe Paullier expected to take part, the engagement promises to serve as a key platform for dialogue, collaboration and forward-looking action.

The Ministry of Youth & Sports, with support from ActionAid International The Gambia , on Tuesday commenced a crucial four-day First Quarter Performance Review Retreat in Kanilai, West Coast Region. The retreat brought together Ministry officials, staff from the Departments of Youth and Sports, and satellite institutions at a time when expectations from young people across the country continue to rise. The event is from 7th to 10th April 2026, the gathering goes beyond routine discussions. It is a moment for reflection, honest assessment, and renewed commitment to delivering meaningful results for Gambian youth. In his opening remarks, Honourable Minister Bakary Y. Badjie acknowledged the progress registered in the first quarter, while noting that much more remains to be done. He highlighted the continued deployment of graduates under the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS), helping young people gain practical experience and improve their employment prospects. He also pointed to expanded opportunities in skills training, entrepreneurship, and livelihoods through programmes such as the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP). On the sports front, the Minister noted sustained national engagement through initiatives like the Ramadan Peace Football Tournament, which not only entertained communities but also promoted unity and peacebuilding. The Minister said efforts to improve infrastructure are also underway, with discussions and initial steps targeting the rehabilitation of key facilities, including community football fields and the Independence Stadium. However, the Minister did not shy away from the challenges. Delays in implementation, funding constraints, and weak coordination among institutions continue to slow progress. Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, while gaps in sports infrastructure and investment limit the sector’s full potential. “This retreat is a turning point,” he emphasized, calling for a shift from routine activities to results-driven service delivery. Permanent Secretary Bulli Dibba echoed the call for stronger accountability, stressing that performance will now be judged based on measurable and verifiable results rather than intentions. He further urged all departments and institutions to work as one unified system aligned with national priorities. Governor Ousman Bojang of the West Coast Region highlighted the region’s large youth population, describing it as both an opportunity and a responsibility. He emphasized the need for increased investment in young people and improved sports infrastructure to nurture talent and support organized competition. Also present was a representative of the Alkalo of Kanilai, Mr. Samba Jammeh, who welcomed officials to the community. As deliberations continue in Kanilai, expectations are high that the second quarter of 2026 will reflect greater discipline, improved coordination, and stronger delivery of programmes that directly impact the lives of young people.