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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.

The innovative Ramadan football tournament of His Excellency President Adama Barrow concluded on Sunday 22nd March 2026 at the Serrekunda West mini stadium with a captivating final between “Star Boys” and “Babun Fatty” football clubs. Both teams manifested sporting skills before an enchanting crowd of dignitaries led by President Barrow. After 90 minutes of regular play ended in a goal-less draw, the finalists proceeded on a penalty shootout with “Star Boys” defeating “Babun Fatty” 5–4 on penalties, securing the championship title in a splendid finish and cash prize of D75,000 added to the trophy. “Babun Fatty” as runner-up received D50,000. “Tigers of Kotu” secured the third position of the tournament by drafting “T Town”, getting the cash prize of D15,000. The final attracted ministers, senior government officials, National People’s Party members, sports enthusiasts, and supporters from various communities. Addressing the gathering during half-time, President Barrow reaffirmed his commitment to empowering young people through sports. His personal support for the peace tournament and attendance of the finals underscore his passion for sports. The tournament was a major success in promoting unity, youth and community engagement through sports. Some 40 teams participated in the various stages of the competition. The presence of President Barrow highlighted the government’s continued commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of young people across the country.

Our Honourable Minister Bakary Y. Badjie last Thursday received a delegation from the Gambia Skaters Association-GSA at his office in Banjul for discussions on the growth and future of skating in The Gambia. The delegation, led by the Association’s Vice President Gibril Jarju, briefed the Minister on their recent trip to Senegal where Gambian skaters secured a bronze medal, a milestone achievement for the young sport in the country. During the meeting, the team shared their progress while also highlighting some of the challenges affecting the development of skating, particularly the lack of a proper training venue and limited equipment for athletes. In r remarks , Minister Badjie commended the association for flying The Gambia’s flag high at the regional level and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting emerging sports. He, however, encouraged the association to organise an internal tournament to help the Ministry better assess participation and activity within the sport across the country.

Received in office members of the Executive Board of the Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMF) – the non-profit public entity that provides educational services across 55 countries in the world. The officials who were led by the H.E Fahri Turker OBA, Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia were in the office to brief the Ministry of Youth & Sports on their planned activities in Africa as they continue to expand education with plan inclusion of sports programs. Our discussion centered on areas of cooperation between the Ministry and the Maarif Foundation at the level of both countries and their international sports programs for students.

The Ministry of Youth & Sports today closed a two-week Electronic Records Management System (ERMS) training organized by the National Records Service-The Gambia . The training conducted in two groups equipped 18 personnel with practical skills in scanning, uploading, classifying, and retrieving documents digitally. Speaking at the closing,Maki gillen NRS representatives commended the Ministry for boldly transitioning from manual filing to an electronic system, describing the training as impactful with impressive participation. Permanent Secretary Mr. Bulli Dibba reaffirmed his commitment to championing the digital drive, assuring staff of management’s full support. The Honourable Minister Bakary Y. Badjie also expressed satisfaction with the exercise, noting that the move from manual to digital has long been part of the Ministry’s vision and aligns with the Government’s Civil Service Reform agenda to modernize public institutions. He assured that the system is designed to ease workload and improve efficiency. #MoYS #DigitalTransformation #ERMS #CivilServiceReform

Ministry of Youth & Sports has been presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia for its pivotal role in the successful hosting of the 8th AIPS Africa Congress – Banjul 2026 . The delegation, led by SJAG President Mr. Omar Jarju, paid a courtesy call on Honourable Minister Bakary Y. Badjie to formally present the certificate and commend the Ministry’s leadership and partnership. Receiving the honour, the Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to sports development and positioning The Gambia as a destination for major continental events. The congress marked a proud moment for The Gambia, strengthening the country’s standing within African sports journalism and showcasing its growing capacity to host international gatherings.

The All-African Students Union (AASU) delegation yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Youth & Sports in Banjul, where they formally presented the 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award to the Honourable Minister, Bakary Y. Badjie. The award, conferred by the continental student body representing over 350 million students across Africa and the diaspora, recognises the Minister’s outstanding leadership and commitment to youth empowerment and sports development in The Gambia. During the presentation at his Banjul office, the AASU team commended the Ministry’s strides in advancing youth-centred initiatives, including support for entrepreneurship, agro-processing, skills development, and community sports infrastructure. They noted that The Gambia’s youth development interventions continue to serve as a model within the sub-region. Receiving the award, Honourable Badjie expressed gratitude to AASU for the recognition, describing it as a collective achievement for the Government of The Gambia and the young people of the country. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to creating enabling spaces for youth participation, innovation, and sustainable development. The Minister further highlighted the importance of partnerships between governments and student movements across Africa, emphasising that empowering young people remains central to national growth and continental progress. The visit concluded with renewed pledges of collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the All-African Students Union in advancing youth-focused policies and programmes.

As The Gambia marks National Dialogue Day 2026, the Honourable Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, emphasizes the importance of homegrown youth engagement as a cornerstone of sustainable national development. The Minister underscores that meaningful youth empowerment must be rooted in Gambian realities—drawing on the creativity, resilience, and innovation of young people across rural and urban communities. This message reinforces the Government’s commitment to inclusive, locally driven solutions that place youth at the center of national progress.

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, has called on international investors to explore opportunities within The Gambia’s sports sector, highlighting the country’s stability, strategic location, and investor-friendly policies. Speaking during the 14th World Cooperation Industries Forum held in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 11–13 February 2026, Minister Badjie emphasized the growing potential of sports as a driver for youth employment, infrastructure development, and private sector investment. He noted that The Gambia’s open-door policy and conducive business environment provide strong prospects for mutually beneficial partnerships. The Minister made these remarks as part of a Gambian delegation participating in the forum, which brings together government officials and industry leaders to strengthen Africa–Türkiye commercial cooperation. He encouraged Turkish businesses to consider investment in sports infrastructure, management, and related industries that can contribute to youth development and economic growth. On the margins of the forum, Minister Badjie, alongside the Honourable Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, visited the industrial city of Sakarya, where discussions were held with the Mayor, Yusuf Alemdar, on potential areas of cooperation, including sports development and city partnerships. The forum, themed “Africa is the future and the future is Africa,” attracted delegates from across the continent and aims to strengthen trade and investment ties between African countries and Türkiye. Background note: The Gambian delegation to the forum included His Excellency Alkali Conteh, Ambassador of The Gambia to Türkiye, and representatives from the Office of the President.

The Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, is currently serving as a panelist at the 8th AIPS Africa Congress – Banjul 2026 taking place at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul. Participating in the discussion on “Empowering African Narratives: How African Sports Media Can Champion African Athletes and Their Stories,” the Minister joined fellow panelists, including the Honourable Minister of Sports of Ghana, Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams, with the session moderated by renowned sports journalist Momodou Koume. Speaking on the role of governments in sports development, Minister Badjie highlighted that while many nations prioritize sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, sports remains a powerful driver of youth empowerment, national unity, and economic opportunity. He emphasized the need for stronger partnerships, sustained advocacy, and the active involvement of sports media to amplify the importance of investing in sports across the continent. The Congress continues to provide a vital platform for African sports leaders, journalists, and policymakers to strengthen collaboration and shape the future of sports development in Africa.