Andandorr Programme Onboarded 585 Entrepreneurs under EU Funded Youth Empowerment Project

Today marked an important milestone in The Gambia’s drive for inclusive economic growth and youth empowerment, as 585 entrepreneurs were officially onboarded into the Andandorr Programme under the European Union in The Gambia Youth Empowerment Project – Tourism and Creative Industries.

Speaking at the onboarding ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of GIEPA described the occasion as a defining moment in strengthening enterprise development, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods. He congratulated the beneficiaries on their successful selection through a rigorous and competitive process, affirming GIEPA’s confidence in their potential to grow resilient businesses, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Andandorr Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with the Government of The Gambia, is a structured acceleration framework designed to provide targeted capacity building, skills development, market access opportunities, peer learning, and, where applicable, access to finance. GIEPA serves as the anchor and secretariat of the programme, ensuring coordination, accountability, and sustainability.

Emphasizing the centrality of partnership, Yusupha Keita, Country Representative of ITC Gambia, noted:

“From the very beginning, this programme has been built on partnership. We developed it together with partners, launched it together, recruited together, and we will implement it together.”

The onboarding marks the beginning of a structured engagement that will support entrepreneurs through coordinated business support services, reinforcing the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting “Made in The Gambia” products and services.

GIEPA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the Andandorr Programme delivers measurable impact, aligned with its Strategic Plan 2023–2027, while deepening collaboration with development partners to empower Gambian entrepreneurs for long‑term success.

Funded by the European Union in The Gambia.