Africa-Press – Gambia. The Secretary-General of the Gambia National Trade Union Congress, Garba Cham, has called for the swift implementation of the country’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Policy, saying it could transform the informal sector and empower youth and women through self-employment.
In his May Day 2025 address, the union leader urged the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, to establish a dedicated funding window at the Central Bank. This move, he said, would support the rollout of self-help projects and create economic opportunities for young people and women.
“The SMEs Policy and the Employment Policy are already in place. What remains is to implement them effectively,” the union chief stated. “We urge the relevant ministries to operationalise a Central Bank facility that can support small-scale enterprises, especially those led by youth and women.”
The call comes amid growing concerns over unemployment and underemployment in The Gambia, particularly among the informal workforce, which makes up a significant portion of the economy.
The union leader argued that proper implementation of the SMEs policy would not only address poverty but also promote decent work and social justice.
“This is a key avenue for economic self-reliance,” he said, adding that promoting small businesses must be a national priority.
He emphasised that job creation and empowerment cannot hinge solely on the formal employment sector, noting that youth and women entrepreneurs face critical challenges accessing finance.
“We cannot talk about sustainable development if these groups remain marginalised,” he said.
The union leader also reaffirmed the Gambia Trade Union Congress’s commitment to advocating for economic policies that support inclusive growth and decent work for all Gambians.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
