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The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, today welcomed a high-level delegation of seven Executive Directors from the African Development Bank Group African Development Bank (AfDB) as part of their mission to gain a first-hand understanding of The Gambia’s macroeconomic landscape in relations to the National development priorities. During the meeting, attended by PS Saffie Sankareh-Farage, Deputy Permanent Secretaries and Directors under the ministries discussions focused on:  Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship – Creating sustainable job opportunities through skills training and financial support.  Sports Development & Investment – Enhancing sports infrastructure and funding programs to empower young athletes.  Financial Inclusion for Young Entrepreneurs – Expanding access to funding and resources to boost youth-led businesses.  AfDB’s Role in Supporting Youth Programs – Strengthening partnerships to ensure development projects align with national priorities. Minister Badjie highlighted the critical role of AfDB in empowering Gambian youth, emphasizing the need for targeted investments in job creation, sports, and entrepreneurship. The AfDB delegation reaffirmed their commitment to supporting youth-focused initiatives that drive economic growth and social development. This visit marks a significant step in deepening collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and AfDB, ensuring that future programs are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with national priorities.

The Secretary General of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), Nasser Ayman Majali, paid a courtesy visit on the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie , as part of his official visit to The Gambia. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between ISSA and the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) while promoting sports as a unifying force within the Islamic community. Majali was accompanied by officials from ISSA and the GNOC. The delegation was received by Minister Badjie and his team, highlighting the commitment to fostering international sports cooperation.

“Currently in Kartong as I witness their 2024 / 2025 Senior League Football Final being played at the village’s football field. The final is between Sotobakto FC Vs. United Brothers. We are proud to be the sponsors of the trophy and cash prizes for the winner and runner-up teams”

“The Cabinet has begun a two-day retreat to strengthen our commitment to national progress. H.E. President Adama Barrow declared 2025 the “Year of Results,” emphasizing the need for effective planning & execution.” “As Minister of Youth & Sports, I am committed to ensuring impactful youth & sports development.”

Tuesday night, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, led by Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, hosted a grand reception dinner for delegates attending the Interregional African Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sports. The event, held in Kololi was attended by distinguished guests including the First Lady of The Gambia, the wife of the Vice President, several Cabinet Ministers, and Sports Ministers from various African nations such as Togo, Botswana, Madagascar, South Africa, and Azerbaijan. H.E. Ambassador Minata Samate, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development of the African Union, was also present, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in combating doping in sports. The reception underscored The Gambia’s commitment to fostering a clean and fair sporting environment across the continent.

“Hosting this meeting is a testament to The Gambia’s unwavering stance on promoting clean sports and ensuring fair play across all sporting disciplines” Vice President, Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Muhammad B.S Jallow.

“Today’s meeting serves as a vital platform to tackle the global challenge of doping in sports, which persistently undermines fairness and integrity,” Hon Bakary Y. Badjie.

“Today’s meeting presents us the unique opportunity to engage in a much-needed dialogue on addressing the challenges posed by doping in sports, not just in Africa, but around the world.”

”Our upcoming National Sport Bill, with provisions on doping, will provide a robust legal framework to promote clean sports and align with the African Union’s 2023-2033 Policy Framework for Sustainable Development in Sport“.