Bensouda Inaugurates Bakoteh Production And Innovation Center
Kanifing municipality council (KMC)l In partnership with International Trade Center(ITC), Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) and the community of Bakoteh, on Wednesday inaugurated the Bakoteh Production & Innovation Center (BPIC) located in Bakoteh.
The center is Funded by the European Union in The Gambia through The Gambia Youth Empowerment Project YEP and the center aims to support training, production & commercialization of textile & hand-woven products.
Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda , who officially declared the center open said that he is grateful to the European Union for the funding & to the International Trade Centre through Youth Empowerment Project for ensuring that it comes to reality.
“Community-based projects are key in developing nations. If Gambia is going to be a productive, progressive nation, it must start at the community.” He said.
The ITC country representative in The Gambia, Ngoneh Panneh who was also present at the inauguration stated that the center will further promote innovation, sector-wide collaboration, and garment manufacturing while supporting job creation and economic growth.
“The center is equipped with over thirty (30) industrial machines of various types and uses, a weaving production hub with ten (10) handlooms considered to be the latest in weaving technology, a fully functioning joint management board, and a robust operational and management team.” Ngoneh Panneh said.
H.E Corrado Pampaloni, European Union Ambassador to The Gambia also said that the Bakoteh Production and Innovation Centre serves as a hub for The Gambian fashion industry and craft production, and that it will therefore provide a platform for young people and community members to learn, co-create, design and innovate.
Permanent Secretary Lamin Dampha, Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment also made emphasis that what the Youth Empowerment Project did there is a significant beginning, and scaling it up as the industry grows requires scaled-up commitment and partnership. Therefore, they call on the community of Bakoteh, KMC, the private sector, entrepreneurs, and individuals to take ownership.
