Today, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth & Sports, officially launched the Youth Promotion Initiatives Database at the The President's International Award,the Gambia Hall in Bakau, marking a major step forward in youth empowerment in The Gambia. The event brought together youth-led civil society organizations, government representatives, and development partners.
In his remarks, Minister Badjie hailed the platform as timely and transformative:
“For decades, one of the major challenges in the youth sector has been the lack of reliable data on young people — including those with disabilities, in sports, entrepreneurship, and other fields. This new database directly addresses that gap.”
He commended the Ministry staff and partners, including ActionAid International The Gambia and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, for their technical and financial support.
“This partnership between government, civil society, and the private sector shows how collaboration can drive national development. With this database, we now have no excuse when it comes to accessing accurate information on youth programs, organizations, and opportunities,” he added.
Ms. Ndelle Faye Colley, Executive Director of ActionAid International The Gambia, described it as a “transformative step toward data-driven youth empowerment”:
“Empowering youth begins with understanding their needs, aspirations, and contributions. This database will illuminate possibilities and enable informed decisions that reflect the realities of young people across The Gambia.”
She noted the initiative supports marginalized groups, including young women, persons with disabilities, and survivors of trafficking, aligning with ActionAid’s vision of a feminist, just, and green future.
Quoting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: “Peace is not built in conference rooms. Peace is built in classrooms, clinics, and communities. Peace is built when people have hope and opportunity and a stake in their future.” This database ensures youth are seen, heard, and empowered to shape their future.
Mr. Abass Bah, Director of Youth and Sports, welcomed the initiative, highlighting its ability to ease access to vital information, track programs, and improve resource allocation. He emphasized that the database is more than a digital tool — it represents innovation, strategic investment, and evidence-based planning for youth empowerment.
Alagie Chune, Senior E-Government Official, demonstrated the platform’s design, real-time reporting, and its potential to strengthen coordination, decision-making, and inclusive participation among youth-led initiatives across the country.
