The Ministry of Trade and Employment has said it will create 150,000 job opportunities for Gambians in five years amid rising unemployment rate. 

Faba Jammeh, the ministry’s director of employment, made the statement at the signing ceremony between Kusata Poultry and Farm and Big Dutchman, a European company that seeks to help young entrepreneurs to be successful.

He described the signing agreement as very critical “because poultry is a priority and is linked to food self-sufficiency.”

“Therefore, we can’t afford not to partner with them to provide the mentors if they need in-terms of the new project. 

“We would collaborate to ensure seeing the successfulness of this project, we are happy to announce the involvement of Kusata.”

“This shows that the ministry is committed and we will put everything at their disposal to ensure that they sustain it in the years to come. 

“Furthermore, I want to register the ministry’s support and I urge the company to bring more of this kind,” he added. 

The Gambia has one of the highest unemployment rates in West Africa. Many more young people without any prospects at home are taking the treacherous ‘back way’ migrant routes to Europe. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba