Eighteen female entrepreneurs have been awarded a total of $300,000 in small business grants, resulting in notable growth and job creation within a short span of three months. The initiative, administered by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), provided a comprehensive support package including business coaching, digital and financial literacy training, and access to e-payment systems and the Afrijula e-commerce platform.
Isatou Njie, the CEO of Gambricks, commended the all-encompassing assistance offered by the grant, which empowered her company to invest in new machinery, leading to a 25% increase in brick production. Other success stories include K Creations, a clothing manufacturer that transitioned to solar power, Yaxare, a herbal tea producer, and Dignified, a fashion designer, now operating 70% of their machinery on solar power, resulting in significant savings on electricity costs.
The grants were distributed through the Jobs, Skills, and Finance (JSF) Programme, a joint effort between ITC and UNCDF, facilitated by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment. The grant committee comprised representatives from various Gambian chambers and agencies, such as GWCC, GCCI, GIEPA, and GYCC, ensuring a thorough and effective selection process.
Kemo, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, highlighted the grants’ impact on upgrading machinery, expanding operations, and introducing new product lines for female entrepreneurs. The JSF model, renowned for its efficacy, encouraged collaboration in entrepreneurship and business development, particularly focusing on empowering youth and women economically.
Yusupha Keita, the technical advisor for the JSF Programme, underscored ITC’s dedication to ensuring a positive influence on women-owned enterprises and socioeconomic progress in The Gambia.
