Fighting Poverty in Gambia

Facts about Gambia

After a long-standing ruler with a poor human rights record, Gambia found itself distanced from international development partners, substantially reducing aid to the country. Nearly half of Gambians live in poverty. These channels are slowly beginning to reopen under new administration.

Gambia, along with much of sub-Saharan Africa, is on the verge of a crisis. By 2035, the International Monetary Fund estimates the number of Africans joining the working age population will exceed the rest of the world combined. To fill this surge, 18 million new jobs will have to be created each year for the next 20 years across sub-Saharan Africa. In the meantime, Gambians rely on the informal sector for a chance to earn a living. In addition, access to basic services, like energy, water and sanitation, education, health care and agriculture, is often inadequate.

When poor people have access to financial services and life-enhancing products, they can earn more, build their assets, create jobs and cushion themselves against external shocks. FINCA is helping Gambians improve their lives by supporting access to basic services through FINCA Ventures.