By Yunus S Saliu
In their quest to help Women-Owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Cooperatives to increase their access to international markets and better manage their value chains, the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) and the Trade Facilitation Office of Canada (TFO Canada) in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, on Monday, 18th December 2023 commences a 3-day training session for Women Entrepreneurs in Banjul.
The international training workshop brought together 40 women entrepreneurs from OIC English-speaking countries which among were 20 businesswomen from The Gambia and 20 from other OIC English-speaking countries in Africa and Asia, to improve their skills for achieving success in the global marketplace.
Declaring the training workshop opening in Banjul, Hon Baboucarr O. Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) expressed delight on the training saying collective efforts, in collaboration with the ICDT and the TFO Canada culminated in the organization of the 3-day training workshop on Access to Markets and Management of Value Chains for Women-owned Enterprises and Cooperatives in The Gambia
Minister Joof thanked the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) and the Trade Facilitation Office of Canada (TFO Canada) for their unwavering support and collaboration in making the training workshop a reality. In addition, he particularly thanked the Gambia Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) for their commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in the country.
“This event is timely as OIC Member States are actively discussing the OIC Trade Preferential Scheme, where members can gain benefits. This is a clear manifestation of our commitment to fostering economic empowerment and inclusivity. And the focus on women entrepreneurs reflects the acknowledgment that they play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and sustainable development,” the Minister affirmed at the training.
However, the Minister dilated on the objective of the training which is meant to equip women entrepreneurs from OIC English Speaking Countries, including The Gambia, with knowledge and skills to enhance their access to international markets and the management of value chains.
In his conviction, he said the capacities of women-led entrepreneurs will be enhanced in relation to access to markets in OIC countries, as the initiative aims to elevate the visibility and online presence of these entrepreneurs.
More so, “I am confident that this training workshop will not only equip our women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools for success but also pave the way for sustainable economic development in The Gambia and OIC English Speaking Countries,” he added.
Delivering a speech on behalf of H.E. Mrs. Latifa El Bouabdellaoui, Director General of the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, MrMamoudouSall, Assistant Director General welcomed delegations and participants to the training workshop in Banjul.
“We cannot deny the pivotal role played by women-owned businesses and cooperatives in the World Economy,” he said and added that they constitute more than half of the world’s population and demonstrate unique abilities and talents that are essential for achieving a comprehensive economic and social development.
Despite all accomplishments, he said, “Women in our countries are still facing numerous challenges, they are not well represented in the labour market, and a large part are engaged in informal activities, lack sufficient social and legal protection, and are exposed to a high risk of vulnerability and poverty.”
About ICDT and TFO Canada
The Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) is the OIC Subsidiary Organ in charge of promoting trade and investments in the 57 OIC Member Countries. The Trade Facilitation Office of Canada (TFO Canada) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, information, and training to exporters in developing countries.
