AfDB Approves $19.93 M for Gambian Youth, Women and Fragility Prevention Push

In a decisive move to counter entrenched poverty, youth unemployment, gender inequality, and regional disparities in The Gambia, the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved $19.93 million in grant funding for the Resilience Building - Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project. This far-reaching initiative is designed to uplift underserved communities through enhanced access to basic social services, sustainable livelihoods, and systemic investments aimed at preventing future conflict and instability.

Tackling Fragility through Prevention and Inclusion

The new initiative aligns with the AfDB’s strategic commitment to address fragility through early intervention. It is financed under the Prevention Envelope of the Transition Support Facility (TSF), a mechanism that provides targeted support to countries facing structural vulnerabilities. The TSF focuses on proactive measures to address early signs of instability and support institutional and social resilience before crisis erupts.

“This project represents our commitment to tackling the foundational causes of fragility, poverty, exclusion, and lack of opportunity,” said Dr. Joseph Ribeiro, AfDB Deputy Director General for West Africa and Country Manager for The Gambia. “We are acting early to prevent conflict and youth migration by fostering inclusive growth, gender equality, and institutional stability.”

A Nation in Need: Gambia’s Fragility Landscape

Despite progress in political stability and overall electricity access, The Gambia remains one of West Africa’s most economically challenged nations, with stark inequality and social vulnerabilities:

• 53.4% of the population lives below the national poverty line.

• In rural areas like Kuntaur and Janjanbureh, poverty rates spike to 76%, compared to 34% in urban centers.

• Youth unemployment stands at 38.6%, with a disproportionate impact on women (1.3 unemployed women for every man).

• Regional electricity gaps persist: while Banjul boasts 95% access, rural areas remain largely underserved.

• Food insecurity has surged to 29% in 2023, up from 13.4% in 2021, with Kuntaur reaching 61%.

These inequities have emerged as key drivers of irregular migration, social discontent, and potential fragility, particularly among disillusioned youth populations.

Strategic Investment Pillars: Jobs, Health, and Resilience

The project introduces a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach aimed at delivering tangible, inclusive outcomes:

Job Creation and Skills Development

• 1,500 new jobs will be created, especially in agriculture, engineering, ICT, and renewable energy.

• 5,000 existing jobs will receive productivity enhancement support.

• 500 youth will receive annual technical and vocational training.

• 500 women-led MSMEs and 50 women’s cooperatives will receive funding and business development assistance.

Health and Nutrition

• Four primary healthcare facilities in high-need areas (Basse, Kuntaur, Janjanbureh) will be rehabilitated.

• 22,000 children will be reached through improved nutrition surveillance systems.

• 1,000 children will access treatment for acute malnutrition and related conditions.

• Maternal and child health services will be expanded, particularly in regions exceeding national mortality averages.

Food Security and Climate Resilience

• Investment in climate-smart agriculture will strengthen value chains and food systems.

• Initiatives will combat increased vulnerability to climate shocks, building resilience among farming communities.

• Local agriculture will benefit from tools and training to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions and environmental degradation.

Financial Empowerment and Gender Inclusion

A central thrust of the project is improving financial inclusion, especially for marginalized youth and women:

• With 77% of Gambian youth lacking access to formal financial services, the project will establish dedicated credit lines.

• Business development services will empower entrepreneurs, especially women who face entrenched barriers to capital access, market entry, and scalability.

• Mechanisms to tackle gender-based violence and systemic discrimination will be scaled up.

Building Institutional Capacity and Strengthening Governance

Recognizing that sustainable development hinges on effective institutions, the project will:

• Build government capacity for data-driven policymaking and monitoring of fragility risks.

• Enhance local governance frameworks to ensure accountability, transparency, and citizen participation.

• Provide technical support for ministries to track and respond to social and economic indicators, especially those impacting youth and women.

Civil Society at the Center: Ensuring Accountability and Inclusion

AfDB is working closely with civil society actors, particularly the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO), to ensure that the program is community-centered and responsive to local needs. These organizations will play a key role in:

• Facilitating public participation in project design and oversight.

• Ensuring that interventions align with national development priorities.

• Acting as bridges between vulnerable populations and service delivery.

Looking Forward: Preventing Conflict, Strengthening Hope

This $19.93 million grant is not just about economic relief—it is about restoring dignity, confidence, and opportunity to the Gambian people, particularly those left behind. It seeks to turn the tide on youth disempowerment, gender inequality, and regional marginalization, while preventing a relapse into conflict or disorder.

As The Gambia navigates its path to long-term stability, this project exemplifies how early, strategic investment in people and institutions can serve as the first line of defense against fragility—and the foundation for inclusive, resilient development.