The Centres for Migration and Development (ZME) / Gambian-German Centre Project officially concluded today after five years of impactful cooperation, marking a milestone in advancing skills development, employment creation, and reintegration opportunities for Gambians.
The closing ceremony was graced by Honourable Minister Mod K. Ceesay of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE), H.E. Klaus Botzet, Resident Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in The Gambia, and Ms. Katja Roeckel, GIZ Regional Director for Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, and Cape Verde, alongside partners and beneficiaries.
According to a statement shared by the German Embassy in The Gambia on its official Facebook page, the Gambian-German Centre, launched in 2022 with support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ, has delivered:
- 10,100 support measures
- 1,500 training opportunities
- 2,000 counselling sessions
These achievements have empowered thousands of Gambians, including migrants, returnees, and local communities, by providing pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, psychosocial support, and greater stability.
The project’s success was made possible through strong collaboration with national institutions and partners, including MOTIE, Department of Labour, National Youth Council, National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI), University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), Global Youth Innovation Network (GYIN Gambia Chapter), The Gambia Red Cross Society, and National Coordinator Kawsu Sillah.
During the closing ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, ensuring the continuation of the initiative under Gambian leadership.
As this chapter closes, the Gambian-German Centre leaves behind a lasting impact on The Gambia’s employment sector and a model of international cooperation for migration and development.