The Government of the Gambia, the European Union (EU), the International Trade Center (ITC) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), officially launched the Jobs, Skills, and Finance programme (JSF), for youth and women at the Kairaba Beach hotel last week.

The JSF programme is funded by the EU with the of contributing stabilizing the economic, social and security situation of the country during the democratic transition, by facilitating social inclusion and employment of the youth and women, with specific emphasis on promoting gender equality and also to address issues of climate change.

At a press conference held aft6er the opening ceremony reporter were informed that  programme will be implemented by UNCDF, in partnership with ITC under the tutelage of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Gambia.

A budget of 16, ooo, ooo EUR, has been allocated to the programme to create 9,000 direct jobs for youth and women; that through a combination of grants, technical assistance and convening power. The programme aims to  increase employment of youth and the most vulnerable, with emphasis on a green and climate resilient economy; improve opportunities in education and skills development for women, youth and MSMEs and increase access to inclusive finance.