By Ndey Sowe
The Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce (GYCC) has on Friday, 26th February, 2021 commenced a week-long training programme for 25 young entrepreneurs to build their capacity on product packaging and branding.
The training will enable them compete in the local and international markets, as well as give them the chance to take part in the upcoming Trade Fair and coaching programme to help them sustain their businesses and leverage on the existing AfCFTA opportunities.
The week-long training which is held at the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) conference Hall, Bakau, is funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Entrepreneurship and Private Sector Development Project (EPSD) through the National Youth Council (NYC).
Babucarr Kebbeh, GYCC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said their chamber of commerce is the voice of young entrepreneurship in The Gambia.
“We are a trade support organisation that mobilises young African entrepreneurs in The Gambia to improve their lives and give them a voice,” he said.
He added that they create space by organizing national and regional exhibitions, training, and business coaching programmes and providing life skills to successful entrepreneurs.
Representing the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE), Basiru Secka, Principal Employment Economist and Activity Manager, said GYCC has been a close partner of MoTIE, adding the partnership has yielded fruitful cooperation that led to significant achievements over the years.
Secka said MoTIE is grateful for the giant strives they continue to make in mitigating youth unemployment in The Gambia, while saying that his ministry’s door is open for any support when the need arises.
He assured his ministry’s full support to the attainment of the set goals and objectives.
Fatoumata Sambou, Partnership and Project Manager for Thunderfund, congratulated the participants for taking time to attend the training and urged them to take it seriously.
She said packaging is very important in every business.
Omar Bah, a representative of the National Youth Council (NYC), encouraged the trainees to do more research regarding entrepreneurship, and assured them NYC’s support through the GYCC.