On Monday 3^rd March the Agri-Accelerator programme successfully kicked off with a selection process in which 21 graduates of the Holistic Agribusiness Centre in Ballingho, North Bank Region, presented their agribusiness projects.

FAO, Rural Development Organization and the German Sabab Lou Foundation collaborate for the integration of the Agri-Accelerator model in the work of the Training Center in Ballingho (the Gambia). The Agri-accelerator is an innovative approach focused on stimulating responsible investment in agrifood systems by young agri-entrepreneurs thereby fostering a triple performance of investments, for people (benefit for communities and consumers), planet (environmental sustainability) and profit (return of the investment). In the Gambia this programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry of food and agriculture.

An important part of this programme is the provision of direct support to young agri-entrepreneurs through Agri-accelerator Hubs. After a competitive process, 10 young men and women, who have received the Agribusiness Centre‘s two years' training in agriculture and basic entrepreneurial skills were selected for the Hub.

The business projects presented range from horticulture, organic fertilizer, seedlings, eggs and poultry production, to ram fattening and agro-trade. All aim to expand businesses, contribute to food security and healthy nutrition and in the medium-term create employment opportunities for other youth. For the selection a team of independent selection committee consisting of three experts was set up.

The 10 selected youth will now benefit from a technical coaching programme, aiming to achieve a triple performance of their nascent businesses. In a second pitch five winners will be selected and receive material support for their business ventures.

The Agri-Accelerator model has been under implementation by FAO in Tunisia over the past years. Since 2024 the model has expanded to Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco and Senegal.  

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members - 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

Founded in 2019 by Rural Development Organization with support from Sabab Lou Foundation, the Holistic Agribusiness Centre has trained 130 youth in an integrated agriculture. The dual training programme, which focuses on vegetable production, poultry farming, livestock fattening and animal husbandry, further processing of agricultural products and business management, is integrated into an agricultural enterprise. The two-year training programmes, staggered by one year, are held continuously, each with up to 40 apprentices. The young people stay in the camp, where they live, learn and work.

Young people who are interested in agriculture are invited to apply for the cost-free training until March 21^th.

Further information:

Momodou Y Bah
Chief Executive Officer
Tel +220 7995871/6820871/3720871

[email protected]

Mbemba Gibba
Head of Teaching / Public Affairs
[email protected]