By Saikou Jawo
The Vice President of The Gambia, H.E. Mohammed BS Jallow, has highlighted the remarkable impact of the Diaspora Development Fund (DDF), stating that it has created 576 jobs for youth and women across rural and urban areas.
Speaking on behalf of H.E. President Adama Barrow at the 8th Stake in the Nation Forum (SNF8) held on Saturday, 11 January, VP Jallow shared these achievements with a diverse audience at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo. The multi-stakeholder dialogue brought together ministers, diplomats, diaspora investors, entrepreneurs, technocrats, security heads, and other key stakeholders.
Vice President Jallow emphasized the critical role of diaspora finance in fostering community welfare and national development. He outlined how the DDF, introduced in 2020 by the Migration and Sustainable Development in The Gambia (MSDG) during the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly impacted local livelihoods.
“In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, MSDG piloted a Diaspora Development Fund (DDF). As of the last audited results in June 2024, half a million Euros in cash, equivalent to 37 million Dalasi, was awarded as grants to 74 projects,” VP Jallow revealed.
He further explained that these diaspora-led projects, in partnership with local stakeholders, generated an additional four million Euros—approximately 295 million Dalasi—through cash and in-kind contributions from the diaspora, government, and other partners.
Highlighting the demographics of the jobs created, VP Jallow reported that 78% of these opportunities benefited rural communities, with 70% of those employed being women and 60% being young people under 36.
The Vice President expressed gratitude to development partners and called for continued support for the fourth phase of the MSDG project. “We thank all development partners and urge for more collaboration to ensure the success of this initiative,” he stated.
The Stake in the Nation Forum continues to serve as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration between the diaspora and key stakeholders in The Gambia, further solidifying the significant role of the diaspora in national development.
