By Mariatou Ngum & Abdou Mbye

Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow on Friday delivered a statement at his office in Banjul ahead of World Population Day, urging sustained investment in the country’s youth as The Gambia joins the global community in marking the occasion tomorrow, July 11, under the theme “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future.”

 

Speaking on behalf of President Adama Barrow, the Vice President said the day is a reminder that a nation’s true wealth lies in the health, education, and productivity of its people. Citing UN data, he noted that young people aged 15 to 24 now number nearly 1.3 billion globally, the largest youth generation in history, with the 2024 Population and Housing Census showing more than 60 percent of Gambians are under 25.

 

VP Jallow outlined government efforts to harness this “demographic dividend,” including a D5.9 billion allocation to basic education, expanded TVET programmes, the upgrading of The Gambia College and the Management Development Institute into universities, and continued development of the University of The Gambia’s permanent campus. He also pointed to progress in maternal and child health services and women’s empowerment initiatives such as the SWEDD+ Project.

 

Addressing climate change and migration, the Vice President said government is investing in green and digital sectors to position youth as drivers of climate solutions, while promoting safe and orderly migration and opportunities at home.

 

He thanked partners including UNFPA, the World Bank, and civil society for their continued support, and called on all sectors of society to work together in building the nation’s human capital.

 

“The demographic reality facing The Gambia is not a crisis to fear, but a profound opportunity to embrace,” VP Jallow said, closing his statement on behalf of President Barrow and wishing Gambians a successful celebration of World Population Day 2026.