By Makutu Manneh
The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has secured a grant of D33 million (approximately $450,000) from the Global Cities Fund for Refugees and Migrants, a development announced by Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda.
The funding, provided through the Mayors Migration Council, is designed to empower “backway” returnees by equipping them with the resources necessary to establish and grow their own businesses.
“The target is to support backway returnees with seed capital of D220,000 to start small businesses. The initial cohort will benefit 40 backway returnees,” Mayor Bensouda explained.
In addition to financial assistance, beneficiaries will receive business training, incubation services, and ongoing support to ensure their enterprises succeed and create opportunities for other young people.
“They will also receive training and incubation and support to ensure these businesses grow and support even more youths,” the mayor added.
Mayor Bensouda expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential impact, stating, “KMC is doing everything it can to support youths to grow, youths to prosper.”