‘Young People Should Not Have to Leave to Succeed’ – Mayor Bensouda Launches Migrant Support Hub

Written by: Seringe S.T. Touray

The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), under Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has launched a Migrant Resilience Hub to help Gambians returning from abroad rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship, skills development and business support.

The initiative, funded through the Mayors Migration Council’s Global Cities Fund 2025, has selected 20 returning migrants to receive training and assistance in establishing sustainable businesses.

Speaking at the programme’s participant launch, Mayor Bensouda highlighted the difficulties facing young Gambians who risk their lives travelling irregularly to Europe in search of better opportunities.

“Some never arrive. Some are stranded, and some are hurt along the way. And many families here in Kanifing have lived through that pain,” he said.

The Mayor, who is also the UNITE coalition’s presidential candidate, said the project is KMC’s first initiative specifically designed for returning migrants.

“I want Kanifing to be a place where young people do not feel they have to leave to succeed. I want it to be a place where a young person with an idea can start a business, hire others, and be proud of it, right here at home,” he said.

The 20 beneficiaries have proposed businesses ranging from waste collection, delivery services and tailoring to vehicle painting, catering, hairdressing and fashion.

Beyond business training, the programme includes childcare facilities and psychosocial support to help participants manage family responsibilities and personal challenges while developing their livelihoods.

Mayor Bensouda said successful businesses could create additional employment, support local suppliers and strengthen the municipality’s economy.

“We did not choose you out of charity. We chose you because we think you can succeed,” he told the participants.

The initiative adds to KMC’s efforts to support youth employment and economic opportunities, with its longer-term impact depending on how successfully beneficiaries establish and sustain their businesses.