An official website of the United States government
An official website of the United States government
WE ARE HERE FOR THE PEOPLE. HERE FOR YOU.
The United States engages in a variety of partnerships that advance economic development, support education, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote the wellbeing of the Gambian people. Here are some of our current initiatives.
Economic Development
Millennium Challenge Corporation
In December 2022, President Biden announced The Gambia is one of a handful of countries selected as eligible to develop a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact that is designed to promote economic growth and opportunities. MCC is already investing $25 million in Gambian prosperity through the MCC-Gambia Threshold Program focused on improving the government’s capacity to deliver reliable electricity to Gambian homes and businesses.
Agriculture
Through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), we help cashew farmers improve production and get their produce to market more efficiently. Peace Corps volunteers also assist with agricultural productivity and sustainability. Additionally, we partner on agricultural research and enhance the competitiveness of local farmers.
Supporting Entrepreneurs, Women, and Trade
We help women-owned businesses, promote trade, and accelerate entrepreneurial innovation in The Gambia. More than 50 percent of all U.S. Embassy-funded trainings, fellowships, and exchanges, are provided to Gambian women and girls. The U.S. Embassy also supports girls’ leadership through programs at our American Corners and other spaces. And more than 53 percent of the U.S. Embassy-supported business start-ups are women-owned.
Health
Through USAID’s grant to UNICEF, the U.S. Embassy delivered more than 400,000 COVID-19 vaccines and medical and information technology supplies to The Gambia, and we partnered on a flood relief grant with the Gambian Red Cross to provide clean water, disease prevention training, and hygiene supplies to the neediest communities.
Working with UNICEF, the United States helps The Gambia by training health professionals and providing them with the right tools and resources to meet community needs. Peace Corps volunteers partner with health providers, hospitals, and peer health groups in rural communities. We also engage communities with health education, supply hand-washing stations and hygiene services, and ensure access to safe water across the country.
Education
The United Stated Department of Agriculture is implementing the $28.5 million McGovern-Dole Food for Education program. Focusing on child nutrition and literacy –especially in regions that are under-served –this program delivers school meals for 57,000 children. It also provides literacy programs and teacher training, all-together impacting the lives of more than 100,000 Gambians, including students, teachers, and farmers.
Additionally, Peace Corps volunteers help with literacy programs and partner with teachers. Through our public diplomacy efforts, the United States also trains journalists, government leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society champions. Our exchange programs send young adults, academicians, and other Gambians to share ideas with their counterparts in the U.S.
Other Partnerships:
Democracy, Rights, and Governance
USAID’s $7.9 million Promoting Rights & Justice Activity (PRJ) is the largest investment of USAID in The Gambia since the early 1990s. This program supports judicial reform by improving the capacity of the justice sector and empowering civil society organizations to safely and effectively exercise civic and political rights. Additionally, the U.S.-funded Improving Access to Justice in The Gambia project will also help strengthen the justice system and ensure it is accessible to all Gambians, especially those living outside Banjul.
Improving Access to Justice
With funding from the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the International Development Law Organization is implementing the Improving Access to Justice program to expand and enhance training provided by The Gambia’s Judicial Training Institute, support legal professionals through improved case management, and increase citizens’ awareness of their rights and ability to seek legal assistance.
Refugees
The Julia Taft Refugee Fund provides refugees and host communities with health services and protection and supports training for refugees in running small businesses.
Security
Through the International Military Education & Training (IMET) program, the United States trains military to ensure stability, security, and a peaceful Gambia.
The United States is:
Here for Quality Education
Here for Improved Health,
We are here for Economic Development
WE ARE HERE FOR THE PEOPLE
HERE FOR YOU
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#HERE4THEPEOPLE