Banjul, June 2026 – Across The Gambia, women entrepreneurs are driving economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting communities. Yet many continue to face overlapping challenges such as limited access to finance, markets, skills development, and procurement opportunities.
To address these barriers, a joint initiative supported by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund, the Government of The Gambia, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the World Food Programme (WFP), and other partners is working to create a more enabling environment for women-led businesses.
Women entrepreneurs often encounter multiple obstacles simultaneously, from financing gaps to restrictive policy systems. Through the SheTrades Gambia Hub, more than 1,000 women entrepreneurs have already benefited from training, mentorship, trade fairs, and business support services, generating over $3 million in business transactions.
The initiative emphasizes collaboration across government, private sector, and development partners. Efforts include promoting gender-responsive procurement policies, improving market access, and strengthening the ecosystem for women-owned enterprises to thrive.
The impact of women’s entrepreneurship extends beyond individual businesses. When women gain access to opportunities, they invest in families, create employment, and build resilient local economies. Supporting women-led enterprises is therefore both an investment in gender equality and in sustainable development.
Recent discussions among entrepreneurs, policymakers, and business organizations reaffirmed a shared commitment: ensuring women entrepreneurs have the tools, opportunities, and enabling environment needed not only to participate in the economy but to help shape its future.
By expanding opportunities for women-led businesses, The Gambia is taking a significant step toward building a more inclusive and prosperous future.
