The Blog

Located in Bakau New Town, The Gambia, a fashion, and garment making business called DIGNIFIED is making waves in the industry. Led by the talented entrepreneur Ramatoulie Mbye, DIGNIFIED specializes in creating stylish and unique garments, including women's Abaayas, casual and official outfits for both men and women. With support from the ITC SheTrades Gambia programme, Ramatoulie’s business has experienced tremendous growth and recognition, proving the transformative power of women's economic empowerment initiatives.

DIGNIFIED, was one of the twenty women-led businesses selected for the fir...

Madi Suso is a blacksmith who owns a jewellery production centre in Soma. His business, Suso Brothers Trading, engages in manufacturing rings, necklaces, bangles and other jewelleries for sale. This is a family trade he learned at a young age.

The construction of the Senegambia Bridge created economic opportunities for the people of the Gambia and Senegal due to the increased flow of goods and services. However, that is not the case for some small-scale traders like Jalima Cham.

After the training, Isatou received startup support of hundred and fifty chicks. She recounted how her poultry grew significantly based on what she had learned. “From the 150 chicks that I received, I managed and multiplied them until I reached about 500 hens. That is when I diversified and included layers onto the broilers that I already had. I can sell at least three crates per day at 300 dalasis ($5.00) per crate,” she said.

From a young age, Bintou loved doing people's hair and making them look beautiful. When she was in high school, she would use her free time to do the hair of some of her colleagues. She would also beautifully style the hair of her neighbours and help them apply their nails even at home.

Reflecting on the impact of the training on her business, Isatou, with a smile, says: “The training was very helpful.” She continued: “I learned all the skills in food processing and preservation methods. I was introduced to food safety and how to prepare, process and store food.”

International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launch a new project dubbed ‘Strengthening the National Infrastructure for Peace to Promote Social Cohesion’ with funding from the UN Secretary General`s Peacebuilding Fund on Wednesday 29 March 2023 at the UN house in Bakau.

To improve the trade environment at the border, the International Trade Centre in partnership with Startup Incubator Gambia rolled out a training to build the capacity of women cross-border traders on trade rules, procedures, and entrepreneurship.

“I have never participated in a trade fair. That was my first time,” Ndey said. “I am very happy to have participated in the trade fair because I was able to share contacts with other businesses and customers. I was also able to learn from them to support the growth of my business.”