ICDT & TFO Canada Conduct Workshop for 40 Women Entrepreneurs

In collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) and the Trade Facilitation Office of Canada (TFO Canada) have launched a transformative 3-day training session for Women-Owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Cooperatives in Banjul.

The program intends to develop the skills of 40 women entrepreneurs from OIC English-speaking countries, including 20 from The Gambia and another 20 from other OIC countries in Africa and Asia. The course, titled "Access to Markets and Management of Value Chains for Women-owned Enterprises and Cooperatives," aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to flourish in the global economy.

The program was inaugurated by Hon. Baboucarr O. Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, who expressed thanks for ICDT and TFO Canada's combined efforts. He underlined the event's timing in the midst of deliberations on the OIC Trade Preferential Scheme, emphasizing the critical role of women entrepreneurs in fostering economic progress.

Minister Joof stated the workshop's goals, highlighting the significance of increasing access to foreign markets for women-led businesses and strengthening value chain management. The Gambia Women's Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) was recognized for their dedication to developing women entrepreneurs in the country.

Mamoudou Sall, Assistant Director General of ICDT, greeted participants on behalf of H.E. Mrs. Latifa El Bouabdellaoui and emphasized the critical importance of women-owned companies in global economic growth. Despite his accomplishments, he highlighted the hurdles that women confront in the workplace, underlining the workshop's ability to pave the path for long-term economic development in The Gambia and other OIC English-speaking countries.