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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.

The National Inter-Departmental Sports Association (NISA) on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, at his office in Banjul. During the visit, NISA presented a draft report on their participation in the L’OSTA AfricGames held in Dakar and Mbour, Senegal. The delegation, led by President Saikou Jarju, also updated the Minister on upcoming events, including the 2025 National Inter-departmental Sports Competition in The Gambia and another continental games to be held in Algeria. Minister Badjie praised NISA for their efforts in promoting workplace sports and reaffirmed his Ministry’s support. He also commended their recent performance in Senegal, where they won a silver medal. Mr. Jarju thanked the Minister for his continued backing and encouraged more engagement from the Ministry in future NISA activities.

The Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie , today, received at his office, H.E F. Türker Oba, Ambassador of Türkiye to The Gambia. The courtesy visit aimed to strengthen the existing partnership between the Ministry and its Turkish counterpart in the areas of youth empowerment and sports development. During the meeting, Ambassador Oba conveyed Türkiye’s willingness to support The Gambia through strategic collaboration, including capacity building, infrastructure development, and technical assistance in wrestling and other sports. He noted that the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports appreciated the visit and engagement of Minister Badjie during his recent visit to Istanbul. For his part, Minister Badjie expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship between the two countries and welcomed Türkiye’s interest in deepening cooperation. He highlighted key areas where support is most needed, especially in sports facility upgrades, skills exchange and training for coaches, emphasizing that such collaborations would significantly enhance the Ministry’s development agenda. Also present was the Director of Youth and Sports, Abass Bah, who welcomed the initiative and stressed the importance of practical support, including equipment provision and training programs, to bolster the Ministry’s efforts The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and pursue tangible outcomes that will benefit Gambian youths.

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie , this morning, chaired the Senior Staff meeting at his office in Banjul. The meeting brought together directors of satellite institutions under the Ministry who shared updates on their ongoing activities, challenges, and institutional progress. Discussions also covered audit reports of some of the institutions, pending assignments, and key administrative and communication matters. In his opening remarks, Minister Badjie welcomed the heads of institutions and emphasized the importance of collaboration and timely reporting to ensure effective service delivery within the youth and sports sector.

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, on Tuesday led a delegation to The Gambia National Assembly where they appeared before the Select Committee on Youth and Sports on an invitation Accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretaries for Administration & Finance and Technical, along with heads of satellite institutions under the Ministry, the delegation was present to clarify concerns regarding the Ministry’s operational performance and provide a detailed report on the execution of its quarterly budget for the period 1st January to 31st March 2025. During the session, Minister Badjie emphasized the pressing need for greater involvement and coordination across government institutions in implementing youth-related projects. He noted that while youth development initiatives exist across various sectors, the Ministry’s limited inclusion in the planning and execution phases continues to hinder optimal impact and alignment. Deputy Permanent Secretary for Administration and Finance, Mr. Lamin A. Camara, provided a comprehensive breakdown of the Ministry’s 2025 budget allocation. Out of the approved D118,612,952, he revealed that only D19,600,000—just 16.6% of the quarterly allocation—have been received . He lamented the delay in disbursements, citing bottlenecks at the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the central government’s budget. Heads of satellite institutions also presented updates on their respective programs. Mr. Pa Malick Ceesay, Executive Director of the President’s International Award (PIA), and Mr. Mustapha Badjie, Deputy Director of the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS), briefed the committee on progress and challenges. They highlighted key concerns such as the condition of the Janjanbureh Youth Centre, perimeter fencing at the football fields, infrastructure at the NYSS farm in Nyani berry , and ongoing needs at the Gambia Songhai Initiative (GSI). In response, Minister Badjie and his team reassured the committee that once adequate funding is secured, the Ministry is committed to addressing these issues and upgrading the facilities as necessary. Mr. Mbye Saine, Coordinator of GSI, spotlighted the initiative’s transformative impact on youth in the surrounding communities, while the PIA team also reported on ongoing refurbishment projects—including a modern conference hall, bakery, tailoring showroom, and shoemaking centre. NYC Executive Director Alagie Jarju raised the issue of improving leadership and commitment in managing the Janjanbureh Youth Centre, stressing the need for a more proactive approach. In conclusion, Minister Badjie appealed to members of the Select Committee for their continued support and advocacy in securing increased funding for the sector. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to empowering youth and advancing sports development across the country. The session was chaired by Honourable Alieu Baldeh, National Assembly Member for Jarra West.

The Gambia Vovinam Viet Vo Dao Association today paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports at his office in Banjul, where they presented certificates and medals in recognition of the Ministry’s continued support to the growth of martial arts in the country. The visiting delegation, which included their American counterparts, joined Gambian master Mamut Njie in presenting a certificate of appreciation for the President of The Gambia. The certificate was received by the Minister for onward transmission to the Head of State. The visit came on the heels of the successful hosting of the first Vovinam overseas tournament in Africa, held in The Gambia from April 25 to 27, 2025. The event drew participants from the USA, Belgium, Italy, Benin, Senegal, and Mauritania. Introduced in The Gambia in 2008, Vovinam Viet Vo Dao is a traditional Vietnamese martial art that continues to gain ground in the country, promoting discipline, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment through sport.