The UN Capital Development Fund and the Government of The Gambia have launched a National Steering Committee to enhance cohesion and joint action as part of the Jobs, Skills and Finance Programme. The inaugural meeting of the NSC took place in the capital Banjul, on 23 June to foster closer coordination and consultation between both parties for effective development cooperation.

I am counting on ministers that are members of this steering committee to have the same level of passion, participation and commitment to drive economic sustainable development keeping in line with the holistic approach of UNCDF implementation" said Co-Chair of the Committee and Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Lamin B. Dibba.

Photos above - Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural resources, Hon. Lamin B. Dibba at the launching ceremony of the high level National Steering Committee, Banjul, The Gambia © LoCAL-UNCDF Photos: Awe Jagne 2021

The high-level event was attended by six ministers and representatives from 12 organizations, including the European Union and Central Bank of The Gambia, who are all representatives of the steering committee. During the launch, members provided overall strategic guidance and direction to current and subsequent UNCDF country programmes in The Gambia. This included contributions towards the development and implementation of mechanisms, instruments and strategies for real socio-economic impact and sustainability.

Dr. Seeku AK Jaabi, First Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia (photo above), delivered a statement stressing the importance of improved access to finance and highlighted the key role of microfinance and digital finance in unlocking possibilities for the most vulnerable. In particular, he highlighted the support given to microfinance units in the piloting of the credit guarantee scheme which put in place a framework to de-risk access to finance to ensure that financial services are guaranteed and accessible to all.

The scheme is being implemented through the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility, or LoCAL, and promotes improved resilience and adaptation to climate change at the community level. LoCAL, designed by the UNCDF, is today owned by the countries that are adopting the mechanism through the LoCAL Board and its seven LoCAL Ambassadors, which count Hon. Dibba among their number.

Stephane Meert, Head of Cooperation at the EU Mission to The Gambia, highlighted the importance of the JSF Programme in facilitating local inclusion and employment for youth and women, fostering action on climate change and improved gender equality. The EU-The Gambia partnership has strengthened over the years, with particular focus on rural areas. The EU also welcomed UNCDF’s work, especially its efforts to increase access to finance and skills for Gambians.

The JSF Programme funded by the European Union, incorporates the inclusion of employment creation and financial empowerment. Improved access to finance is central to the JSF Programme, as it improves access to jobs, critical community facilities, and training ventures. The JSF Programme also supports small and growing businesses, leveraging money for investment, improving services for the community and creating jobs and opportunities.

Under the pillar of the JSF Programme, the role of the NSC will be to provide overall strategic guidance and direction to current and subsequent UNCDF country programmes and contribute towards the development and implementation of mechanisms, instruments and strategies for maximum socio-economic impact and sustainability.

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