Gambia Parliament Questions VP Over D50 Million Women’s Wing Fund

The Gambia’s Vice President, Muhammed B. S. Jallow has responded to questions over the government’s decision to support the women’s wing of the ruling National People’s Party  (NPP)  with a D50 million enterprise fund, stating that the initiative was not financed with public funds.

Jallow made the clarification on Wednesday, while responding to questions in parliament during a question-and-answer session.

The inquiry was raised by the Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, Hon. Yaya Menteng Sanyang, who asked whether any public resources, including funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or state-owned enterprises, were used to finance the initiative.

“No public funds were used for this initiative,” the Vice President told the Assembly.

Sanyang also questioned why the D50 million enterprise fund was created specifically for women affiliated with a single political party rather than through the existing Women’s Enterprise Fund under the Ministry of Gender.

In response, Jallow said the matter falls within the responsibility of the party.

President Adama Barrow on 25 January 2026 launched the D50 million enterprise fund aimed at supporting women associated with the NPP through access to financing, skills development and business support.

The president, who described the initiative as an investment in national development and economic opportunity, said the fund would primarily target women at the grassroots level, providing interest-free loans and support to help expand small businesses.

The fund is expected to give Gambian women a fair opportunity to succeed and become economically independent.