Min of Trade Hosts Employment Forum Reviewing Efforts to Create 150K Jobs in 5 Years

Group Picture of Delegates at Employment Forum © IOM

By Yusef Taylor and Fatoumata Konteh

After introducing the government’s employment policy to create 150,000 jobs in five years, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MoTIE) hosted a National Employment Forum on Tuesday, 17th December 2024, focused on “creating employment through strategic investment and innovative skilling” at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre.

The MoTIE Facebook page recalled that “back in November 2022, His Excellency President Barrow launched the National Employment Policy and Action Plan 2022-2026, establishing a roadmap for employment generation and economic growth in our nation.”

However, neither the President nor the Vice President were present to grace the occasion and instead delegated the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST), Hon. Pierre Gomez, to speak on their behalf. 

Higher Education Minister © IOM

Higher Education Minister Steps in for President and VP

Keynote Speaker, Hon. Gomez, highlighted that “today we gather here to reflect on our commitment towards that goal and assess how far we have progressed in achieving." He noted that the launch of the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan demonstrates the government’s commitment to achieving it’s target to address unemployment and underemployment.

The Minister for Higher Education highlighted that the government has significantly boosted Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) to build the skills required for job creation “not only in The Gambia but also abroad.”

He spoke about the government’s establishment of “several funds” to support private sector development, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises, which hold great potential for job creation. In addition to this, he mentioned heavy investment in road construction as a means of stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.

“We are leveraging our diplomatic relations to negotiate opportunities for supplying surplus labor abroad. Today we have signed three bilateral labor agreements with different countries facilitating the employment of Gambians overseas,” said Hon. Gomez. 

UN Resident Coordinator © IOM

IOM and UN Commend Gambia’s Bilateral Agreements

The representative from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Mr. Gogwim Paradang Clement, commended the Gambia for their migrant workers agreement when it said, “We commend the Government of The Gambia's unwavering dedication to safeguarding labor rights and fostering a safe, secure, and decent working environment for all, including migrant workers.”

The UN Resident Coordinator for The Gambia, Mr. Karl-Frédérick Paul, highlighted that “if we do not act decisively, the growing numbers of young people entering the workforce each year may face limited opportunities, which exacerbate unemployment and underemployment.”.

He noted that “ongoing bilateral labor agreements show commitment to facilitate safe and regular migration for work, offering young Gambians access to employment opportunities abroad while adhering to international labor standards.” 

IOM Representative © IOM

Trade Minister Highlights Migrant Workers Agreements

Speaking at the Forum, Trade Minister Hon. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof noted that “harnessing partner interventions to tackle the pressing challenges of unemployment and underemployment would ensure a united pursuit of coordinated and sustainable solutions." In an effort to change orientation and job stereotyping of our youthful population, Hon. Joof proposes employment programs on migration and employment creation.

One of the innovative solutions Minister Joof claims will address this are the signed bilateral labor agreements with some friendly countries. Trade Minister Joof was speaking about the government’s separate agreements with Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia to export migrant workers for farming in Spain and as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia.

This move to export migrant workers has been questioned by critics who insist that jobs created outside the country cannot be counted towards the 150,000 jobs to be created in The Gambia. 

Trade Minister © IOM

How Many Jobs Have Been Created Since 2022?

After being established in 2022 and set to end in 2026, this year, 2024, represents a midway point when a mid-term review of the policy’s implementation would have placed a marker on the government’s progress.

To get more up-to-date information on the number of jobs created to date, our reporter contacted the MoTIE’s Director of Employment, Mr. Fabba Jammeh, who informed our medium that they have not declared the number of jobs created during the forum because they are still working on the “Labor Market and Migration System." According to Mr. Jammeh, this system, which should monitor the number of jobs created, will be in place by January 2025.

Asked if the jobs to be created abroad will be part of the 150,000 jobs, Mr. Jammeh explained that they will form part of the total number because they are initiatives started by the government and they will not be counted as jobs created by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain.