• Mr. Franklin Mutahakana; World Bank Resident Representative ably represented by Mr. Rafael Pardo, Task Team Leader of TDRGP
• Honourable Sainey Jawara, NAM Lower Saloum, Member of National Assembly Select Committee on Tourism
• Permanent Secretary and Staff of MOTAC
• Mrs. Ida Jeng-Njie DG GTBoard and Staff
• Mr. Momodou Ceesay: Project Director, Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP);
• Mr. Hamid Gbawuru Marah and Mr. Washingtone , IBF Expertise
• Business Development Managers and Technical Experts;
• Tourism sector stakeholders;
• Members of the Third and Fourth Cohorts of the Yokute Accelerator Programme;
• Members of the media;
• Distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

It is with immense pride and pleasure that I join you to celebrate the graduation of the Third Cohort of the Yokute Accelerator Programme, comprising 60 MSMEs, and the awarding of matching grants to deserving beneficiaries. We also mark the official launch of the Fourth and final Cohort, comprising nearly 40 MSMEs.

This milestone concludes six months of intensive training, mentorship, and business development support for tourism-related MSMEs under the Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP), implemented in partnership with IBF Expertise.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

Implemented under Component 1B of the TDRGP, the Yokute Accelerator Programme aligns with the Government’s National Development Plan, YIRIWAA (2023–2027), by promoting inclusive growth, job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience.
On behalf of MOTAC, I commend this strategic investment in local enterprises, equipping them with the skills, management capacity, and financing needed to become more competitive, resilient, and investment-ready.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA) for financing the TDRGP and supporting the diversification of our tourism sector.

Through training, coaching, mentorship, investment-readiness support, and matching grants, the programme is strengthening businesses and their integration into the tourism value chain. Its emphasis on women’s economic empowerment and inclusive participation is equally commendable, ensuring that women and young people benefit meaningfully from tourism-led growth.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

I commend the TDRGP Project Implementation Unit and IBF Expertise for their commitment to the programme’s success.

To our graduating entrepreneurs, congratulations. Apply the knowledge and skills acquired, manage your businesses responsibly, and use the matching grants strictly for their intended purposes. Let these investments translate into stronger enterprises, more jobs, and lasting economic benefits.

To the Fourth and final Cohort, embrace this opportunity with commitment and discipline. Make full use of the training and mentorship provided to build sustainable and competitive businesses.

His Excellency President Adama Barrow and the Government remain committed to building a competitive, inclusive, and resilient tourism sector that creates jobs and expands opportunities for all Gambians.

I congratulate the Third Cohort and wish the Fourth Cohort every success.

Thank you for your kind attention.