Africa-Press – Gambia. The Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP) under the “Yokute” Accelerator Program, on Monday, 16 February 2026, graduated its second cohort of entrepreneurs.
The program funded by the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group, provided training aimed at building the capacity of over 200 tourism-related micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular focus on supporting Gambian female-owned businesses.
Speaking at the event held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Centre in Bijilo, Project Director Momodou Ceesay described the initiative as a national success. He emphasized that trainees from both the first and second cohorts represent all regions of The Gambia. “The businesses from both cohorts are representing all regions in The Gambia,” he said, highlighting the project’s inclusive and diversified approach.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Siaka Fadera, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Minister. He described tourism as a strategic pillar of The Gambia’s economy, noting the government’s commitment to diversifying a value-driven tourism sector. “Tourism remains a strategic pillar of The Gambia’s economy. It represents employment creation, enterprise development, cultural preservation, and community resilience,” he said. Fadera added that a diversified tourism sector empowers domestic enterprises and expands opportunities beyond traditional markets.
TDRGP employs a multi-faceted approach to guide young entrepreneurs, including training, coaching, mentorship, peer learning, investment readiness preparation, and access to a matching grant scheme. The initiative’s primary goal is to enhance business and management practices, strengthen contractual relationships with lead firms in the tourism sector, and prepare entrepreneurs for investment opportunities.
The graduation ceremony brought together senior government officials, international development partners, members of the National Assembly Tourism Select Committee, and young entrepreneurs.
The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the launch of a third cohort, which will undergo the mentorship program, signaling the initiative’s commitment to strategic continuity and sustainability.
