By Sirrah Touray
The National People’s Party (NPP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Alliance for Hope and Development (AIED) of Senegal and El Talentón of Spain to expand education, entrepreneurship, skills development, and international cooperation opportunities for Gambian youth and women. The signing took place on Monday at the NPP headquarters in Banjul.
Seedy Sheriff Ceesay, NPP Administrative Secretary, described the agreement as the start of a strategic partnership. He thanked Mr Samba Sall and his delegation for their confidence and said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to creating concrete opportunities for young people and women.
Juan Vera, founder of El Talentón, emphasised geographic proximity between the Canary Islands and The Gambia and confirmed El Talentón’s commitment to creating jobs and equipping students with practical work and entrepreneurship skills.
Estefania Castro of El Talentón outlined the organisation’s three clear objectives: identify local talent, connect young entrepreneurs with mentors, funding and markets, and build sustainable opportunities.
Dr Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, said the partnership will empower Gambian women and youth and provide overseas exposure and study opportunities, complementing the government’s Spanish circular migration programme. He identified agribusiness, digital transformation, and the creative industries as priority sectors.
Musa Drammeh, Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources, said the agreement advances the party’s goal of youth and women’s empowerment. He thanked the Spanish delegation and Mr Samba Sall and invited them to be regarded as honorary citizens of The Gambia.
Officials said the MoU establishes a framework that will quickly be followed by practical programs focused on skills training, entrepreneurship, and job creation for Gambian youth and women.