EMPOWERING WOMEN AND YOUTH TO DRIVE PEACE AND PROSPERITY IN THE GAMBIA

April 8, 2026

Photograph of diverse professionals posing for a conference group photo in front of a purple banner.

In the first quarter of 2026, momentum continued to build in advancing sustainable peace and inclusive economic growth in The Gambia, with women and youth at the center of transformation. Through the Japan Supplementary Budget Project, UNDP supported innovative pathways that link livelihoods, resilience, and social cohesion.

A standout achievement was the Youth Agri-Innovation Challenge, which redefined agriculture as a space for creativity and opportunity. From 1,793 applicants, 20 ideas were shortlisted, with 10 finalists advancing to a national pitch competition. Five winning teams received a total of USD 52,500 to scale their innovations, unlocking new opportunities for agribusiness, job creation, and sustainable farming, particularly for rural youth and women.

This momentum was reinforced through the Japan–Gambia Youth Agri-Innovation Exchange, where young innovators shared ideas, visited local farms, and explored practical solutions rooted in local realities. The exchange highlighted the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of agriculture.

Beyond innovation, the project strengthened skills and livelihoods. A food processing training for 50 participants (47% women) equipped youth and women with tools to reduce post-harvest losses and add value to agricultural products. For participants like Joko Jarju, this translated into immediate action, launching products and preparing for market opportunities, demonstrating how skills can quickly become sustainable income.

At the same time, investments in peacebuilding ensured that empowerment extended beyond economics. Through Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) initiatives, 60 youth leaders developed community action plans aligned with national priorities. These efforts translated into over 30 youth-led initiatives reaching thousands of community members, strengthening dialogue, inclusion, and conflict prevention at the grassroots level.

Complementing this, a Youth and Stakeholders Forum on Drug Abuse Prevention brought together over 200 participants to address emerging social challenges, reinforcing the link between youth empowerment, resilience, and sustainable peace.

Together, these efforts demonstrate a clear shift: when women and youth are empowered with skills, resources, and voice, they become drivers of both economic opportunity and lasting peace.