NEF To Offer Technical Assistance To Gambia On Entrepreneurship And Economic Development

The Nigeria Entrepreneurs Forum, NEF, has promised to offer technical assistance to Gambia on Entrepreneurship, Agriculture and Economic Development among others.

The President of NEF, Dr Sidney Inegbedion made the promise at NEF Secretariat in Abuja when he received a Delegation from Gambia led by the Mayor of Brickama Area Council, Gambia, Hon. Yakubu Wankuba

Dr. Inegbedion who described Nigeria – Gambia relationship as cordial over the years said both countries have potentials that should be effectively harnessed for national economic development.

He used the opportunity of the Gambia ln delegation visit to roll out some of the activities and achievements of NEF since its establishment in 2010 which includes, Entrepreneurship Training and Capacity Building, Trade and Investment Promotion,
Funding Assistance to Businesses
Project Management for Donor Agencies,
Technical Assistance and Membership Services

According to him, some of NEF’s achievements are in the areas of how to start your business series for women and youth,
Federal-State strategy for DFI,
Trade and investment mission to the USA, Germany, Canada, China, Abidjan, Cote d ivoire

“We received investors from China on Agriculture
Co-sponsored China Africa Economic and Trade Expo
Country host for Diaspora Return Mission of Germany
Country host for back to the Future Programme of Italy
Country platform for UNIDO HP-Life Entrepreneurship E- Learning
Partnership with Economic Growth Department of Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning
Development of the Bio-Economy
Development of NEDS” the President of NEF stated.

In his words”Nigeria -Gambia Relations
Maintains Bilateral Relations at Diplomatic Levels
Maintains relationship within the ambits of ECOWAS, African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) and British Common Wealth of Nations.

“This visit ushers in strong economic ties with The Gambia on Trade and Investment matters and on People to People relationship especially among entrepreneurs of both countries
Considering the strength of Nigeria as the Giant of Africa, this visit no doubt brings The Gambia in focus among others and Nigerian Entrepreneurs, among all other Africa countries striving to access Nigeria’s foreign investment capital, technical knowhow, digital technology, quest for tourism destination, as well as preferred market for potential export of Nigerian Agro-allied processed goods, fashion, fashion accessories and garment among others
In view of your presentation” Dr. Inegbedion stressed

He explained that the Nigeria Entrepreneurs Forum (NEF) shall work with your Administration in The Gambia to deepen Nigeria-Gambia relations in the areas of Youth Entrepreneurship Development and Empowerment, in order to foster livelihood and self-reliance among women and youth in The Gambia

“Nigeria Entrepreneurs Forum shall provide its global expertise and technical assistance in meeting the skills acquisition and training gaps, especially in the areas of :
Hospitality and tourism industry
Agriculture
Fashion and Design including Fashion Accessories Production
Hair and cosmetology
Digital Literacy
Enterprise start-ups among other initiatives.and Nigeria Entrepreneurs Forum shall facilitate the investment and promotion of cultural troops and Afrocentric Orchestral/ Theatres in The Gambia and through these joint efforts Nigeria Entrepreneur Forum hopes to contribute to the tourism and hospitality industry as major revenue driver of The Gambian economy” He added

Earlier, the Mayor of Brickama Area Council, Gambia, Hon. Yakubu Wankuba said the delegation was in NEF Secretariat in Abuja to seek ways of support and collaboration in the areas of entrepreneurship development, agriculture, culture and economic development among others.

Hon. Yakubu Wankuba who commended the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Gambia over the years solicited technical assistance of NEF towards realizing Gambia’s economic development.

While describing Gambia as rich in agricultural potential reiterated the commitment of his country towards improved and cordial relations with Nigeria.

Other stakeholders who also spoke during the visit called for more economic ties between Nigeria and Gambia.