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The Senior Management Team (SMT) of the Ministry of Youth & Sports , including top management from its satellite institutions, is currently holding a day-long meeting at the Independence Stadium and Friendship Hotel to assess quarterly activities and overall progress. Its functions include, among others, policy planning, supervision and monitoring, coordination of sector strategy implementation, and mobilization of resources to achieve its strategic goals. Institutions participating in the meeting include the National Youth Council – The Gambia Independence Stadium And Friendship Hotel The President’s International Award,the Gambia NEDI NYSS – The Gambia The Gambia National Sports Council – NSC and the Gambia Songhai Initiative — a project under the Ministry. Stay with us for more updates as the meeting unfolds.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Bakary Y. Badjie , welcomed Mr. Ahmed Belhadj, Chargé d’Affaires of the Moroccan Embassy in Banjul, to his office. The purpose of the visit was to present a copy and follow up on a signed Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation in the area of sports signed between The Gambia and the Kingdom of Morocco. The Head of the Embassy also presented a letter of invitation from the Minister of Youth of Morocco to his Gambian counterpart on the hosting of OIC Youth capital by the city of Marrakesh.

Honourable Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports, has reaffirmed the Gambia Government’s unwavering commitment to transforming football into a sustainable, professional industry, calling it a national priority during his keynote address at today’s Stakeholder Dialogue on the Professionalization of Football held at a local Hotel in Kotu . The event, organized by Gambia Football Federation (GFF), brought together key players in the football ecosystem including club executives, coaches, sponsors, and development partners in a bid to shape a unified roadmap for a competitive national league. “Football is more than just a game,” the Minister declared. “It is a tool for social cohesion, youth empowerment, job creation, and national pride. Despite our immense talent and passion, our league remains underdeveloped. That must change and it starts with strategic collaboration.” Minister Badjie underscored that the Ministry’s new National Sports Policy (2024–2034) aligns directly with the goals of today’s dialogue, outlining support for talent development, governance reforms, infrastructure investment, and public-private partnerships. He also emphasized the importance of the GFF’s upcoming Business Plan, which will serve as the foundation for a professional league model grounded in accountability, financial sustainability, and institutional growth. “A well-defined plan will build investor confidence and provide a clear roadmap to transition from ad hoc operations to a competitive, market-driven model,” he stated. Minister announced that the National Sports Development Fund aimed at financing sports growth nationwide has been included in the upcoming National Sports Bill, to be presented before the National Assembly. Other key government commitments highlighted include upgrading and constructing new sporting facilities across the country, promoting gender equity in football and across all sports, supporting sports data and research for evidence-based planning, enhancing international cooperation and capacity building. Minister Badjie urged stakeholders to break silos and “challenge assumptions” to ensure the final roadmap reflects all voices. “Gambian football must be shaped by those who are committed, engaged, and willing to work together,” he said. The dialogue is expected to generate vital input for the development of a strategic and inclusive national football model ushering in a new era for Gambian football, one that is professional, resilient, and proudly Gambian.

As The Gambia prepares to host the 32nd edition of the Week of Friendship and Fraternity in West Africa—widely known as SAFRA, the SAFRA bureau delegation from the Upper River Region (URR) paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, on Wednesday. The delegation, led by URR Governor Samba S. Bah, met with the Minister to formally brief him and his team on the country’s preparations to host the sub-regional event in 2025. SAFRA, a rotational convergence among six neighboring West African nations, promotes peace and integration through sports, cultural displays, trade exhibitions, and youth engagement programs. “Our visit today signals URR’s full readiness to welcome West Africa to Basse,” said Governor Bah. “We are proud to lead this national effort and believe SAFRA 2025 will be a celebration of unity, culture, and cooperation across borders.” In his welcoming remarks, Minister Badjie reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing youth development, regional collaboration, and initiatives that foster peace and inclusion. “SAFRA goes beyond being just a gathering. It represents a spirit of unity, cooperation, and mutual understanding among neighboring countries,” said Minister Badjie. “The Ministry is committed to providing both technical and institutional support to ensure this edition is a resounding success.” Also speaking at the meeting, Mr. Abubacarr Krubally, President of the SAFRA Bureau Gambia, emphasized the importance of strong leadership and institutional backing from the Ministry, urging it to fully take ownership of the event. “SAFRA is a symbol of unity across our borders. We need the Ministry to take the lead and make sure The Gambia’s hosting leaves a lasting impression,” Mr. Krubally noted. These remarks were echoed by Regional Youth and Sports Coordinator Musa Jarra, who called for national mobilization to ensure the success of the 2025 convergence. During the visit, the delegation unveiled the central theme for this year’s event: “Peace, Security, Social Inclusion, and Sustainable Cross-Border Development: What is SAFRA’s Contribution?” The theme will drive discussions, cultural exhibitions, and sporting events among participants from Senegal (Tambacounda), Guinea Bissau (Gabu), Guinea Conakry (Boké), Mali (Kayes), Mauritania (Selibaby), and The Gambia (Basse). Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Technical, Musa Mbye, assured the delegation of full cooperation and support, including guidance and logistical facilitation. For more than four decades, SAFRA has served as a vital platform for deepening regional friendship, promoting cultural identity, and empowering youth through meaningful exchanges. From school visits and sports competitions to trade fairs and policy dialogue, SAFRA continues to bring West African communities closer together. As The Gambia gears up for this significant event, the visit by the URR delegation marks an important step toward ensuring successful national coordination and a memorable SAFRA 2025 in Basse.

Demonstrating its continued commitment to national sports development, the Ministry of Youth & Sports (MoYS) recently disbursed over D15 million to key federations and athletes to support international preparations and competitions. The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) received D10 million to cover expenses related to the Scorpions’ training camp in Morocco. In a similar effort, D1.8 million was allocated as direct financial assistance to The Gambia’s top five Paris-based athletes, helping cover their training fees and upkeep as they gear up for upcoming global events. The Gambia Volleyball Federation also received a boost, with D800,000 granted to facilitate the country’s participation in the African Nations U21 Beach Volleyball Championship, also scheduled for Morocco. Additionally, D500,000 (five hundred thousand dalasis only) was provided to the United Front in support of the sixth edition of the Banjul International Marathon. The Tijan Jaiteh Foundation was awarded D2.3 million to fund airfare for The Gambia’s U-16 team participating in the prestigious Norway Cup. This timely financial support underscores MoYS’s unwavering dedication to nurturing Gambian talent and ensuring national teams and athletes remain competitive on both continental and global stages.