News

The momentum towards hosting the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC) continues to build as members of the National Organising Committee (NOC) convened a strategic meeting yesterday to review and fine-tune preparations for the highly anticipated regional event. The meeting provided a platform for members to scrutinize ongoing activities, assess progress, and strengthen coordination across all committees tasked with delivering a successful tournament. Members reaffirmed the NOC’s central role in supervising and coordinating the overall planning process and maintaining strong liaison with the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Office. Updates were presented by the various sub-committees, highlighting key areas including technical readiness, logistics and protocol arrangements, finance and fundraising efforts, as well as communication and publicity strategies. Each committee outlined its roadmap, focusing on delivering a well-organized, competitive, and memorable tournament that meets ECOWAS standards. From ensuring athlete preparedness and compliance with competition rules to coordinating transportation, accommodation, and venue setup, the NOC reiterated its commitment to leaving no detail unattended. Efforts are also underway to mobilize resources, strengthen partnerships, and amplify visibility through effective media engagement. The NOC remains resolute in its mission to position The Gambia as a capable and proud host of this prestigious regional wrestling championship.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports, through The Gambia Songhai Initiative (GSI), in partnership with local and international stakeholders, today officially launched the AGREEN Gambia Project at a local hotel in Kotu. The initiative, valued at approximately D34.5 million, aims to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by equipping young people with climate-smaMinistry of Youth and Sports Unveils AGREEN Gambia to Strengthen TVET and Youth Opportunitiesrt agricultural skills, digital competencies, and practical knowledge to enhance employability and drive sustainable development. For many young Gambians, the dream of building a better future has often been held back by limited access to skills, guidance, and opportunities. Today, that narrative is beginning to change. Launched at a cost of approximately D34.5 million, AGREEN Gambia Project is set to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in The Gambia. With a strong focus on climate-smart agriculture, digital learning, and practical skills development. The project aims to better prepare young people for the realities of today’s job market. The project will receive technical expertise and good practice from its international partners (INFODEF (Spain), Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek. Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences FAZOS (Croatia), and INNOQUALITY SYSTEMS (Ireland). Speaking at the event, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Lamin A. Camara, described the initiative as a timely response to prepare trainers/teachers harness their skill to be prepare youth with right sets of skill to help tackle youth unemployment and challenges within the agricultural sector. AGREEN Gambia will expand hands-on training opportunities, promote innovation in agribusiness, and create stronger links between young people and employment. With support from the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme, the project will also enhance the capacity of TVET educators, strengthen partnerships with employers, and ensure training remains relevant, practical, and inclusive. “This initiative is about empowering our youth and securing a sustainable future for The Gambia,” DPS Camara emphasised. AGREEN Gambia is more than just a project — it is a pathway to opportunity, resilience, and a brighter future for young people across the country.

The first day of the Ministry of Youth & Sports four-day Performance Review Retreat, sponsored by ActionAid International The Gambia , concluded with an in-depth review of the 2026 Nationwide Tour and Town Hall Meetings. The nationwide engagement saw Ministry officials travel across the length and breadth of the country, beginning with courtesy calls on regional governors and culminating in interactive town hall discussions with young people and local authorities. These engagements created an important platform for direct dialogue, allowing youths to voice their concerns, share ideas, and engage meaningfully with government on development programmes aimed at expanding socio-economic opportunities. Key issues raised by participants included the urgent need to scale up opportunities in critical sectors such as youth empowerment through skills acquisition , recreational centres nationwide, drug abuse advocacy and sports infrastructure areas widely seen as vital pathways for youth empowerment and employment. During the retreat, youth and sports coordinators, alongside other officials, carefully scrutinized the reports from the tour, assessing key findings and drawing actionable recommendations. The discussions focused on shaping a clear way forward that aligns with the Yiriwaa National Development Plan, ensuring that youth-focused interventions remain impactful, inclusive, and sustainable. The retreat will serve as a strategic platform for reflection, coordination, and renewed commitment to advancing the national youth and sports agenda as the satellite institutions begin activity presentations Wednesday.

As part of its ongoing drive to promote grassroots sports development, the Ministry of Youth & Sports today laid the foundation stone laying ceremony for a community football field in Nawleru Village, Central Badibu, North Bank Region. The event brought together the village Alkalolu, Imam, and representatives of the youth and women, reflecting strong community participation and ownership of the initiative. The Honourable Minister Mr. Bakary Y. Badjie was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Bulli Dibba and the Deputy Governor of the North Bank Region, Mr. Dembo Samateh, who joined in laying the first brick to officially mark the commencement of the project. The Ministry contributed One Hundred Thousand Dalasis (D100,000). A set of jerseys and a football were also presented to the village team to further encourage active participation in sports. The Ministry commended the youths of Nawleru for spearheading the self-help project and urged the sports committee to ensure prudent and transparent use of the support provided.

Facilities are the foundation of sporting excellence. The Gambia National Sports Policy 2024–2034 recognizes that sustainable sports development begins with accessible, modern, and well-maintained infrastructure across the country — from schools to regional centers and national arenas. Quality facilities nurture talent Partnerships drive sustainability Investment builds future champions This is more than infrastructure — it’s a commitment to empowering our youth, strengthening communities, and positioning The Gambia for sporting success on the global stage. Facilities build champions. The future starts now. #NationalSportsPolicy #SportsDevelopment #TheGambia #YouthEmpowerment #BuildTheFuture

The Ministry of Youth & Sports today welcomed the Supdeco Banjul Campus Students Union Official for a courtesy call with the Permanent Secretary, highlighting a shared commitment to youth empowerment and opportunity. The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bulli Dibba commended the student leaders for their initiative, noting that it reflects responsibility and forward thinking. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating an environment where young people can grow and succeed, while encouraging them to prepare for opportunities both at home and beyond. He also urged the students to take advantage of the progress being made across different sectors and to play an active role in national development. As young people travel and engage globally, he reminded them that they represent the image and potential of The Gambia. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Student Union President Mam Marie Darboe expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized their interest in building partnerships that support student development and career readiness. Secretary General Eric Omar Ceesay also highlighted their commitment to working with institutions, especially within the Kanifing Municipality, to promote youth-focused initiatives. The meeting reflects the Ministry’s continued efforts to strengthen ties with academic institutions and ensure young people are equipped for the future.

Safeguarding athletes and protecting the integrity of sport are at the heart of the new National Sports Policy 2024–2034 of The Gambia. Sport must always be a safe, respectful, and fair environment for everyone — from young grassroots athletes to elite competitors. The policy introduces clear measures to prevent abuse, exploitation, and unethical practices, ensuring that ethics, safety, and integrity remain non-negotiable across all sporting disciplines. Through this national vision, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and stakeholders are committed to building a sporting culture where every athlete feels protected, valued, and empowered to perform at their best. Protecting athletes Promoting integrity Ensuring safe sport for all Together, we are shaping a stronger, safer future for sport in The Gambia.

The delegation from YouthConnekt Africa was received by Bakary Y. Badjie, Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports of The Gambia, at the Ministry of Youth & Sports. Hon. Badjie warmly welcomed the delegation and engage in discussions on strengthening collaboration in advancing youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and innovation through the YouthConnekt platform. The engagement reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to supporting YouthConnekt Gambia chapter that create opportunities and leverage on its platform to expand the potential of young people across the country.

The Government of the Republic of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has officially signed the Host Agreement with the African Union Sports Council Region 2 for The Gambia to host the prestigious AUSC Region 2 Games scheduled to take place in Banjul from 7–13 June 2026. The agreement formally designates Banjul as the host city for the regional multi sport event, which will bring together young athletes under the age of 20 from member states across the region to compete in a celebration of youth development, sports excellence, and regional unity. As part of preparations for the Games, the African Union Sports Council Region 2 has also announced a strategic partnership with ASKY Airlines, naming the airline as the Official Airline Partner for the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games. Under this partnership, ASKY Airlines will provide travel and logistical support for athletes, officials, and stakeholders attending the regional multi-sport event. The collaboration is expected to strengthen cooperation between the sports and aviation sectors in Africa while ensuring the smooth movement of participating delegations to and from The Gambia. Sporting disciplines scheduled for the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games include: • Athletics • Basketball (3×3) • Beach Volleyball • Boxing • African Traditional Games (Exhibition) The hosting of the AUSC Region 2 Games represents a significant milestone for The Gambia’s sports development agenda and highlights the country’s growing capacity to stage international sporting events. The Games are expected to promote youth empowerment, regional cooperation, and sports tourism in The Gambia. Further announcements regarding sponsorships, participating countries, and competition schedules are expected in the coming weeks.   By National Sports Council

A strong nation builds strong athletes. A strong sports sector builds a strong economy. The National Sports Policy 2024–2034 is more than a document — it is a roadmap to jobs, innovation, private sector growth, and sustainable development through sport. From community playgrounds to international arenas, sport is creating business opportunities, empowering young entrepreneurs, attracting investment, and driving national pride. This is the new national vision for sport — where talent meets opportunity, and passion becomes productivity. Together, let’s unlock the economic power of sport for The Gambia