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The Seminar on Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership for The Gambia, hosted in Beijing under the China-Aid initiative and organized by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) under the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM), officially concluded on Monday, July 21, 2025, with a grand closing ceremony, certificate presentation, and farewell luncheon. The two-week seminar brought together 30 dynamic Gambian youth leaders, selected by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, for an intensive program that combined academic sessions, field visits, and cultural exchange activities aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, leadership, and bilateral cooperation. In her heartfelt closing remarks, Mberry Jobe, Deputy Executive Director of the Gambia National Youth Council, expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire delegation, describing the experience as “unforgettable and transformative.” “This seminar significantly strengthened the friendship between China and The Gambia. The lectures, practical visits, and cultural exchanges have broadened our perspectives and deepened our commitment to national development,” she said. Jobe reflected on key moments from the program, including lectures on China’s political system, cross-border e-commerce, and poverty alleviation, along with visits to cultural landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and the Hongqiao Pearl Market. The team also traveled to Harbin, where they toured the Digital Trade Industrial Park and the headquarters of Longjian Road and Bridge Co., Ltd.—the company behind the iconic bridge spanning the Gambia River. “We were particularly moved to witness Longjian’s role in our country’s infrastructure. It stands as a true symbol of the strong partnership between our two nations,” she added. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Wu Wei, Director of the Executive Department of China-Aid Training Programs at AIBO, praised the Gambian participants for their active engagement and leadership. “You brought curiosity, passion, and purpose to every moment of this seminar. Your visit to Harbin, your conversations, and your enthusiasm have left a lasting impression. You are the future of The Gambia, and we believe you will carry this experience into the next chapter of your country’s progress,” Mr. Wu stated. The seminar concluded with a farewell luncheon and the awarding of certificates to all 30 participants. Before their departure, the delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Gambian Embassy in Beijing, where they shared their experiences and expressed appreciation for the embassy’s continued support throughout their stay. The first group of participants arrived safely in The Gambia on Tuesday, July 22, with the remaining members returning on Wednesday, July 23. As the delegation returns home, the message is clear: the knowledge gained and friendships formed in China will serve as a springboard for national development initiatives, youth empowerment programs, and deeper Gambia–China collaboration. The seminar is part of China’s continued efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative and South-South Cooperation to promote global development through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and people-to-people diplomacy.

Saturday morning, I presided over the passing out and swearing in ceremony of the 3rd Batch of the NYSS – The Gambia Apprenticeship Training Program. This batch consist of150 young Gambians who have successfully completed weeks of in-camp intensive training at the Bakau campus and are ready to start their 2 years of technical and vocational skills training, with tuition and stipend covered by government in partnership with UNDP The Gambia.

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!