A landmark $19.96 million initiative designed to uplift vulnerable youth and women has been launched in The Gambia’s Central River Region (CRR). The Resilience-Building Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project (RVWYSP) is jointly funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of The Gambia, and will be implemented by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).
The launch ceremony in Chamen was attended by Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Seedy S.K. Njie, CRR Governor Ousman Bah, and community members.
Government’s Commitment to Vulnerable Communities
Delivering the keynote address, Vice President Jallow described the project as “timely and strategically aligned with national priorities.” He emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s Yiriwa development framework, which prioritizes protection, empowerment, and opportunity for vulnerable groups.
He noted that youth unemployment, social vulnerability, and regional disparities remain pressing challenges, adding: “Women and youth are not just beneficiaries, but central actors in development.” The project, he said, will expand economic opportunities, reduce unemployment, and address the root causes of irregular migration.
Building Resilience and Human Capital
NSPA Executive Director Saikou Jeng underscored that the project is an investment in people, dignity, and resilience. “This project goes beyond reacting to vulnerability. It is about prevention, risk reduction, and strengthening human capital,” he said. Jeng praised AfDB as a trusted partner in The Gambia’s journey toward inclusive growth and poverty reduction, while urging communities to take ownership of the initiative.
Key Interventions
Project Director Saffie Dambelly outlined several interventions under RVWYSP:
- Renovation and equipping of four health facilities with modern ambulances and outreach vehicles.
- Provision of equipment to TVET and multipurpose skills centers in Julangel and Kuntaur.
- Entrepreneurship training for youth- and women-owned SMEs across five regions: URR, CRR North & South, LRR, and West Coast.
He assured that the project will significantly improve livelihoods, strengthen health and nutrition outcomes, and build resilience among vulnerable communities.
AfDB’s Role in Supporting Fragile Communities
AfDB representative Aminata Burno Trawally explained that the project is financed through the African Development Fund’s Transition Support Facility (TSF), which targets countries facing fragility and resilience challenges. She highlighted the difficulties faced by young people and women across Africa, including unemployment, climate shocks, food insecurity, and limited access to health and economic opportunities.
“The absence of opportunities pushes young people to lose hope, leave their communities, or undertake dangerous migration journeys,” she said, stressing that AfDB believes Africa’s greatest asset is its people, particularly its youth.
Looking Ahead
The RVWYSP is expected to transform lives in rural Gambia by creating opportunities, strengthening social protection systems, and empowering women and youth to become drivers of development. With its multi-sectoral approach, the project aims not only to reduce vulnerability but also to build lasting resilience in communities across the country.
